The Detroit Lions are showing interest in pursuing a potential trade for Greg Newsome, a cornerback with the Cleveland Browns. During the combine, the Browns communicated their openness to trade discussions regarding their cornerbacks, as reported by Jason La Canfora of The Washington Post. La Canfora stated that multiple general managers have been informed about the Browns’ willingness to deal one of their top cornerbacks as they manage their salary cap.
According to Jeff Risdon of The Lions Wire, there are strong indications that the Browns are considering a move involving Newsome, and the Lions have initiated discussions about it. Newsome is among the three starting-caliber cornerbacks on the Browns’ roster, along with Denzel Ward and Martin Emerson Jr. If the Browns decide to trade one of them, Newsome appears to be the likely candidate.
Newsome typically plays in the slot when all three cornerbacks are healthy, while Emerson has become increasingly important to the Browns’ defense, particularly given his rookie contract status. Newsome, a former first-round pick, has started 39 games over three seasons with the Browns and has accumulated two interceptions.
The Browns face a decision this offseason regarding Newsome’s fifth-year option, which is valued at just over $13 million and fully guaranteed. Trading Newsome to the Lions could enable the Browns to avoid this cap hit, although the exact value Cleveland could receive in return remains uncertain. Risdon proposed a hypothetical trade involving a third and fourth-round pick going to Cleveland for Newsome.
There’s a recent history of trade activity between the Lions and Browns, with Cleveland sending Donovan Peoples-Jones to Detroit in exchange for a sixth-round pick before the previous season’s trade deadline.
Despite achieving career-high statistics in various categories last season, Newsome also faced challenges, including subpar performances such as in the postseason game against the Houston Texans, where he received a low PFF grade of 29.4. Newsome acknowledged the need to learn from such experiences and expressed determination to improve in the future.
Previously, Newsome had voiced discontent with his defensive role, leading to offseason trade rumors. However, with Jim Schwartz now leading the defense, Newsome has expressed satisfaction with his role, crediting Schwartz for utilizing his talents effectively and providing opportunities for success.