Former Browns first-round pick and cornerback Greg Newsome is on the trade block for the NFL Draft this month. According to Pro Football Focus, Newsome is the best trade asset for the Cleveland Browns as the team could be heading towards another rebuild. After acquiring quarterback Kenny Pickett in a trade this offseason, the Browns are likely to continue heading towards another way, and that will likely be the same case for its defense. Newsome has been in several trade discussions last year, including this offseason when the Browns were in a standoff with star Myles Garrett in contract talks.
The cornerback did mention he would be willing to leave Cleveland if Garrett winds up elsewhere, but it looks like he could stay with the team. However, it will be up to the Browns if they will trade away their best secondary piece as he enters the 2025 season in his final rookie deal, so there may be discussions during the draft about his future. Originally selected in the 2021 NFL Draft, the former Northwestern product spent the entirety with the Browns, recording 33 solo tackles and nine deflections, which were average numbers but may have some upside if given a fresh start.
Newsome isn’t the best trade candidate if the Browns are making him available, but since he’s young, there’s a chance he may attract some suitors. However, after a season-ending injury, it might be hard for him, but these two teams could take a shot on Newsome.
Breaking: Former Browns First Round Pick Greg Newsome on Trade Block For NFL Draft – Chargers, Saints Logical Fits
More Help for LA
Even though the Los Angeles Chargers need a capable wide receiver, the team will need to address the cornerback position despite signing Donte Jackson. Last season, the team brought in Kristian Fulton on a one-year deal, but the team decided not to sign him back, along with Asante Samuel Jr. and other key defenders. It seems like Jim Harbaugh wants to continue to test the waters, as Fulton did have one of his best seasons last year. Perhaps they could do the same with Newsome since the Chargers have the cap space to facilitate a trade.
Second-year Cam Hart isn’t ready for full-time duties, which is a reason why the Chargers signed free agent Benjamin St-Juste for relief. However, the team should trade for Newsome to give them a long-term cornerback to rotate around, at least until Hart is ready to take over in a starting role.
Finally a Cornerback?
As many moves the New Orleans Saints have been making, they have yet to address the secondary position. Marshon Lattimore left for the Washington Commanders, and Paulson Adebo is joining the Giants this upcoming season. Kool-Aid McKinstry is somewhat the only capable answer for the Saints, but he needs help, and the team could use the depth. They still haven’t found a starter alongside McKinstry, and a guy like Newsome could fill the depth chart.
Newsome may have been slow and battling injuries last year, but with a different scenery and brighter spotlight, he could tear up the aerial attack pairing with Tyrann Mathieu and Justin Reid.
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