The Philadelphia Eagles may be eyeing Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II as a potential trade target to strengthen their defensive backfield, according to rumors being stirred up by league insiders.
What would the Browns be thinking here?
And what would the Eagles be getting here?
With Kelee Ringo battling veteran Adoree' Jackson for the CB2 spot opposite Quinyon Mitchell, and Cooper DeJean locked into the slot, the Eagles are reportedly exploring options to add depth and competition to their secondary.
Would Newsome work?
The Browns selected Newsome in the first round (26th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team after finishing his rookie season with 37 combined tackles and nine pass deflections in 12 games. The 2021 first-round pick posted career highs in 2023 with 49 tackles, 14 passes defensed and two interceptions, including a memorable 34-yard pick-six against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens.
But he had faded since, and during the 2024 season, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski demoted him to the third cornerback on the depth chart - and that was done despite the Browns having exercised Newsome’s fifth-year option worth $13.37 million guaranteed.
His season ended prematurely when he was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury.
So maybe the Browns have tired of the player.
And in Philly? Newsome's versatility might be valuable to the Eagles. According to Pro Football Focus, he has played 1,428 snaps at outside cornerback and 1,163 snaps at slot cornerback, meaning he could seamlessly rotate between positions based on matchups.
This flexibility would allow defensive coordinator Vic Fangio to move players around without significant drop-off in coverage quality, while providing immediate competition for the CB2 role between Ringo and Jackson.
What about the money? Cleveland might want to dump out ... and the Eagles would be asked Eagles to absorb Newsome’s $13.3 million fully guaranteed contract for 2025.
That's no bargain. But Newsome’s combination of youth, experience, and proven ability makes him an intriguing option for an Eagles team looking to strengthen every aspect of their defense. ... and his relative failure puts him on the Browns rumor mill.
