The Cleveland Browns do not have the roster to compete in 2025, and Zac Jackson of The Athletic believes the team could trade former first-round pick Greg Newsome as they build towards the future. A four-year veteran, Newsome had a rough 2024 but has generally been a solid starter throughout his career. However, he’s now entering the final year of his contract and could leave after the season.
Rather than letting him walk for nothing in a year’s time, Jackson’s report suggests the Browns will entertain trade offers for Greg Newsome. This makes sense, as one year of solid play won’t matter for the Browns, as the upcoming season will revolve around developing young talent like quarterback Shedeur Sanders. While Newsome probably won’t net the biggest return following his disappointing season, the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Chargers could make a move for his services.
Browns Could Trade Greg Newsome to Panthers, Chargers
The Carolina Panthers spent the offseason rebuilding what was perhaps the league’s worst defense last year. Head coach Dave Canales inherited a mess and, knowing he couldn’t fix everything in one offseason, prioritized building an offense that could support quarterback Bryce Young. This approach worked, as the former first-overall pick looked like the real deal down the stretch.
With the offensive cast firmly in place, Canales and General Manager Dan Morgan spent the past few months adding talent to the defensive side of the ball. While the team extended cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson, they could use another option on the outside. Greg Newsome won’t have to be the top cornerback on this defense, which only makes a trade that much more appealing. With Horn locking down top receivers and Jackson in the slot, Carolina could utilize Newsome as a third reliable starter as the team competes in a wide-open NFC South.
Reinforcements For Harbaugh
The Los Angeles Chargers have Super Bowl aspirations after making the playoffs in the first year of the Jim Harbaugh Era. While the team used their cap space to fortify the trenches and improve the running back position, they could use another cornerback to pair with fifth-round phenom Tarheeb Still.
At this point in the offseason, Greg Newsome might be the best option left on the trade market. The Chargers have a good defense, and the impressive unit should be able to complement quarterback Justin Herbert enough to win some football games. However, it may not be enough to keep this team in potential shootouts against elite offenses like the Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, and Kansas City Chiefs. Seeing as they’re playing in a wildly competitive AFC West, the Chargers need all the help they can get to take down the Chiefs for the first time in over a decade.
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