The Detroit Lions are hoping to capitalize on a potential deal for Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome.
The Browns informed teams during the combine that they are open to trade talks involving their cornerbacks, according to Jason La Canfora of The Washington Post.
According to Jeff Risdon of The Lions Wire, the Lions have expressed an interest in potentially signing Newsome.
“Very strong indications that the Browns are looking to make a move with Newsome,” Risdon tweeted on Friday, March 8. “Also very strong indications the Lions have at least picked up the phone to talk about it.”
Newsome is one of three starting-caliber cornerbacks on the Browns’ roster. The other two players are Denzel Ward, one of the league’s highest-paid cornerbacks, and Martin Emerson Jr. If the Browns want to trade one of them, Newsome seems like the logical decision.
When all three are healthy, Newsome mainly plays in the slot. Emerson, who is still on his rookie contract, has proven increasingly vital to the Browns’ defense.
Browns Weighing Decision on Greg Newsome’s Fifth-Year Option
Newsome is entering his fourth season with the Browns. Over three seasons, the former first-round pick has started 39 games and had two interceptions.
This offseason, the Browns will decide whether to pick up Newsome’s fifth-year option, which is worth slightly more than $13 million with a full guarantee. If he’s traded to the Lions, the Browns might avoid the cap hit. It is unclear what value Cleveland could receive in return. Risdon presented a hypothetical trade in which Cleveland would receive a third and fourth-round draft pick in exchange for Newsome.
Browns CB Greg Newsome Happy With Jim Schwartz
Newsome had a stellar year with 49 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 14 pass breakups, and 2 interceptions. But that doesn’t mean everything went smoothly for Newsome. He had some difficult games, including one against the Houston Texans in the playoffs. Newsome finished the contest with a dismal PFF grade of 29.4.
“You always have to learn from experiences like this,” Newsome stated on January 14. “We’re obviously going to come into next season with a chip on our shoulder, and I believe we did a terrific job this season, but we didn’t show up in the biggest game. So I believe we will learn from this experience, and it will only benefit us in the future.
Newsome had expressed dissatisfaction with his job on defense, sparking summer trade rumors. This was before Jim Schwartz took over the unit. Newsome seemed delighted with his role, with Schwartz calling the shots.
