The Cleveland Browns have been patiently developing young cornerback Greg Newsome II over the last three seasons. He improved in 2023, recording 14 passes defended and two interceptions, one of which he recovered for a touchdown. However, with free agency ready to begin in the NFL, there are rumours that the Browns may be willing to trade Newsome, who has been a steady starter since they selected him with the No. 26 pick in 2021.
Per Jeff Risdon via MoreForYouCleveland on Twitter, the Detroit Lions have shown interest in a trade for Newsome.
The Lions had a historic year in 2023, finishing first in the NFC North with a 12-5 record and advancing to the NFC Championship Game, where they maintained a double-digit lead over the San Francisco 49ers before losing in the second half. It was the type of banner season they hadn’t had in a generation, and there’s a sense that they still have potential to improve, particularly on defence.
While Detroit boasted one of the NFL’s most potent offences, they were only 23rd in points allowed, and their pass defence was especially problematic.
Despite season-ending injuries to standout running back Nick Chubb and quarterback Deshaun Watson, the Browns finished 11-6 in 2023, thanks in large part to their defence. They were first in total yards allowed and first downs given up, and they have a reputation as a club that messes up. If Newsome is moved, it will be interesting to see how Cleveland responds.
