Big Defensive Changes Predicted for Browns

The Cleveland Browns are entering an important offseason for the future of the club. We've already discussed some potential changes coming for the Browns on offense, and it appears changes could be coming on defense too.

ESPN predicts a change could be coming in the Browns' secondary, with a possible trade with either the Green Bay Packers or Minnesota Vikings.

"With no contending future in sight, I expect the Browns to trade players for picks," Ben Solak wrote. "Both cornerbacks Denzel Ward (who had an excellent season) and Greg Newsome II (who had an uncharacteristically shaky season) should be made available, and one will be dealt. 

"For my money, I expect a young, rising team to put a first-round pick on the table for Ward (Packers? Vikings?) and give the Browns the draft capital they need to aggressively rebuild."

Ward just earned his fourth Pro Bowl selection with 49 tackles with 41 solo, one tackle for loss and one quarterback hit, a forced fumble and two interceptions. He's clearly the more attractive trade target that would return the most.

But Newsome's name has already been connected to potential trades going back to last season and he enters the final season of his contract.

Whatever direction the Browns decide to go, changes are needed, and general manager Andrew Berry has his work cut out for him.