Cleveland Browns discuss star CB trade

The Cleveland Browns' fate was essentially sealed on Sunday when they lost to the Los Angeles Chargers and fell to 2-7 on the season.

There will almost certainly be no purchase or standing pat for the Browns before Tuesday's NFL trade deadline. Cleveland is likely to sell, and Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer has reported that the team has had discussions about cornerback Greg Newsome.

“This draft will be the first in which the Browns have a first-rounder since trading Deshaun Watson in 2022, so it might make sense to stockpile to move forward in the draft,” Breer wrote. “And the team has had some discussions about moving Za'Darius Smith and Greg Newsome.”

It's no big surprise that the Browns appear willing to trade Newsome.

After all, Newsome's name was floated in trade rumors at the start of last offseason, and he only has one year left on his $13 million contract for next season.

With Cleveland already paying Denzel Ward and also having Martin Emerson Jr. at the position, Newsome is unlikely to be retained long-term.

The Browns would certainly like to get that $13 million off their books in 2025 as well, so signing Newsome to draft capital would be a smart move.

Newsome has recorded 20 tackles and three passes defensed this season. The former first-round pick has been a very reliable presence in Cleveland's secondary since entering the NFL in 2021, but his time with the Browns may be coming to an end.