The 2024 NFL Draft is not only a crucial time for all the young prospects entering the pros, but also for veterans on the trade block like Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome. A first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Northwestern product has not quite lived up to his first-round billing but remains a solid starter. Last year, the defensive back finished the season with two interceptions, 14 passes defended, and the 55th-best PFF grade out of 127 eligible players.
With three seasons under his belt, the Cleveland Browns will soon need to decide whether or not to use the fifth-year option on the cornerback’s contract. If they don’t, Greg Newsome is a logical trade candidate and could be dealt during the draft. While these rumors are everywhere, Newsome himself isn’t focusing on them.
“I don’t pay attention, but obviously my family and stuff tell me and ask me,” Newsome said. “What goes through my head is nothing. I feel like I’m comfortable here. I feel like [General Manager Andrew Berry] and the ownership and all my coaches know what I’m capable of, they know what I bring to this team, not just on the field, being one of those glue guys, being a guy that’s always energetic, celebrating no matter what, I feel like they know my value. So I wasn’t too worried about that.”
Greg Newsome: “I Don’t Pay Attention” To Trade Rumors
Greg Newsome might not be worried about a potential trade, but that doesn’t mean one isn’t going to happen. Thanks to the Deshaun Watson trade, Cleveland lacks young talent, and the salary cap is about to be a major issue. If they can get a fourth- or fifth-round pick for Newsome, they’ll probably take that deal.
The only question is which teams will be interested in a Greg Newsome trade. Seeing as the Chiefs only got a 2025 third-round pick for L’Jarius Sneed, Newsome probably won’t fetch a high return. However, if any one of the following teams misses out on their preferred prospect, they could give Cleveland a call.
Potential Destinations
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs only traded L’Jarius Sneed because they couldn’t afford to keep him and defensive tackle Chris Jones. This team still needs more help in the secondary, and Greg Newsome could be the ideal trade target. With needs at wide receiver and offensive tackle, Kansas City could prioritize those positions early before sending a late-round pick for Newsome.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts came up just short in the bidding war for Sneed, which means they are looking for more cornerback help. Greg Newsome is not as good as Sneed, but the former first-round pick will be a considerably cheaper trade target. Seeing as Indianapolis shares a division with the high-powered Houston Texans, they’ll need as many reliable cornerbacks as they can get if they want to win the AFC South in 2024.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints are once again mortgaging the future to go all-in on the present. With the NFC South getting stronger, New Orleans must counter with some defensive improvement. Marshon Lattimore is still a good player when healthy, but this team could use another starting cornerback. New Orleans has four fifth-round picks and should be more than willing to trade one of those selections for Greg Newsome.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers won’t roll over and die during the first year of the Dave Canales Era. The team has already invested in defensive help and is reportedly pursuing Stephon Gilmore. However, if Gilmore proves to be out of their price range, or if the veteran just wants to play with a contender, then Carolina could pivot and trade for Greg Newsome. Despite their terrible record last year, Carolina’s defense has some decent talent and should be a solid unit in 2025.
Baltimore Ravens
The Browns probably won’t ever trade Greg Newsome to a division rival, but they make the list anyway because the fit is too good. Baltimore needs another cornerback, and Newsome is an ideal fit for Baltimore’s scheme. This team lost several starters in free agency, and now they get creative to find cost-effective options to replace those departed playmakers.
Main Photo: Thomas Shea – USA Today Sports
