Browns Predicted to Cut Ties With $12 Million Starter in Deal With Raiders

Over the past few years, the Cleveland Browns have been linked to several trade rumors involving multiple players. At the top of that list is cornerback Greg Newsome, who’s coming off a somewhat down year. Some have wondered around the league if the Browns will make him available, as he’s only 25 years old and has put together some decent showings during his NFL career. 

Those thoughts only continued earlier in the week, with Dawg Pound Daily recently predicting Newsome to be cut or traded over the next few weeks to months. 

It’s possible that the Browns could look to move on from the youngster before the trade deadline next year, as they’ll have an opportunity to assess where things stand heading into the second half of next season. 

“Lastly on the list is Greg Newsome II. His name being dangled in trade rumors is nothing new, as some have rightfully pointed to his $13.3 million salary, which would be entirely wiped away from the salary cap with a deal. Newsome was a first-round pick by the Browns back in 2021…

“2023 was a breakout year for the nickel back, who posted a sterling 80.3 passer rating allowed, according to PFF. It appeared the Browns had the league’s best slot corner, before a 2024 season marred by disaster. The passer rating allowed ballooned to 120.7, en route to being ranked the 177th cornerback out of 222,” they wrote.

Potential Newsome Landing Spots

What made things more interesting is that Dawg Pound Daily linked the Cleveland Browns to a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders or Seattle Seahawks for Newsome. 

If they sent him to the Raiders, he could be interested in playing for a storied franchise. The Raiders, similar to the Browns in some regard, have struggled, but Newsome could view playing for Pete Carroll as an excellent opportunity, and it’d be tough to blame him 

“Don’t sleep on the Las Vegas Raiders or Seattle Seahawks as suitors. The Raiders employ former Browns defensive coordinator Joe Woods, who coached Newsome from 2020-2022, as their defensive pass game coordinator. The Raiders have Jeff Howard, the Browns’ former defensive backs and pass game coordinator, on staff as their safeties coach, providing another link. Finally, the Miami Dolphins, who have the league’s worst cornerback group, could come calling if the Browns decide to move on.”

How Likely Is a Newsome Trade?

Regarding the trade rumors around Newsome, when there’s smoke, there’s typically fire. 

Others have suggested that they could move on from him, as the Cleveland Browns are in a position where they don’t have to hold on to anybody if they get the right return in a trade. 

When examining other trade candidates after they decided to move on from Dorian Thompson-Robinson earlier in the year, Cory Kinnan of Browns Wire also noted that Newsome could be dealt. 

“Greg Newsome II has been in trade rumors for two years now and this could be the year it finally happens. He is entering the last year of his contract with $13 million in guaranteed money to his name. The Browns have young and capable cornerbacks like Cameron Mitchell and Myles Hardin who can play in the slot in both nickel and dime sets. They could also draft another cornerback in the 2025 NFL draft to fill the void that would be left by trading Newsome,” he wrote.