As the secondary unit market could heat up in the wake of Jaire Alexander’s release, Cleveland Browns trade candidate Greg Newsome could be available in the upcoming days. According to Bleacher Report, the Browns will probably have no other choice but to trade Newsome since the team is in salary cap hell. Originally selected in the 2021 NFL Draft, the former Northwestern product is coming off the worst season of his career last year, despite recording just 24 solo tackles, five pass deflections and one interception in 13 games and three starts. Newsome had his worst PFF grade, but one reporter believes he could bounce back, but it might be easier to do that for a team.
No matter if Newsome performs well or doesn’t have another productive season, the Browns will likely lose him the following offseason as he’s in the final year of his contract. They may have a higher chance of extending Martin Emerson instead, but the Browns must face the reality that if Newsome has a breakout season this year, he will demand a lot of money that the team doesn’t have. While Newsome has struggled in the past, he could boost production with the right roster and tools for him to improve. The cornerback won’t attract the best available suitors, but these teams could take a chance on him.
Report: Former Browns First Round Pick Greg Newsome Named Trade Candidate – 3 Logical Fits
Possible Next Teams
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers have all of the right pieces coming together offensively for quarterback Bryce Young, but they’ve finally been making improvements for the defense. The secondary unit was one of the worst last year, and they signed Trevon Moehrig to bring some fire to the department. Michael Jackson and Jaycee Horn are on new contracts this season, but they’re still in the market for some reliable depth. Even though Newsome is more of a starter, he could easily take the place of Jackson if he can’t perform up to standards.
Greg Newsome needs a new start, and the Panthers might not make it to the postseason anytime soon, but it doesn’t mean it won’t be the right fit for him. It’s better to have as much depth in the unit, rather than having another secondary season of mediocrity. Newsome will likely win the starting role for this defense, so he could fit right into this system.
New Orleans Saints
Meanwhile, the Saints are in dire need of a cornerback. Kool-Aid McKinstry is the only reliable cornerback in this unit, and the team will probably lean on the defense to win most of their games. Alontae Taylor doesn’t bring much promise to what they already lost in Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo. New Orleans could change the entire pass secondary if they acquire Newsome in a trade that could help McKinstry disrupt the aerial attack.
Dallas Cowboys
However, the Dallas Cowboys were supposed to have one of the best cornerbacks in Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland. They traded for Kaiir Elam for possible relief, but he’s unproven to do that. A better fit would be Greg Newsome, who provides a lot of talent and upside if Diggs or Bland can’t bring themselves together.
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