Browns Trade Proposal Ships Out Misfit First-Round Pick to Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings may reach out to the Cleveland Browns as they look to strengthen their thin secondary ahead of the season.

The departures of veterans Stephon Gilmore and Camryn Bynum have left the Vikings with a thinner secondary. One name gaining traction as a potential target is Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II.

A former first-round pick, Newsome brings starting experience and familiarity with Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, who was part of Cleveland’s front office when Newsome was selected in 2021.

According to CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin, Newsome to the Vikings is a potential trade to watch ahead of the season.

“Minnesota spent big to address both trenches this offseason, but the one non-quarterback spot that lacks top-end answers is the secondary, now sans veteran starters like Stephon Gilmore and Camryn Bynum,” Benjamin wrote. “Forward-thinking general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was in the Browns’ front office when Cleveland spent a first-rounder on Newsome in 2021, and at just 25, the former Northwestern standout has the upside to become a longer-term option for Brian Flores’ defense.”

Benjamin identified Byron Murphy Jr.’s recent extension and the Vikings’ willingness to pursue less expensive alternatives as potential sticking points.

Greg Newsome Entering Contract Year With Browns

Getty ImagesGreg Newsome is a former first-round pick of the Browns.

Newsome is entering a contract year, with the Browns having picked up his fifth-year option last offseason. He’s set to earn $13.37 million in 2025. However, his role in Cleveland’s defense has grown increasingly complicated. Newsome has primarily lined up as a nickel corner in recent seasons under Jim Schwartz and currently sits behind Martin Emerson Jr. and Denzel Ward on the depth chart for outside cornerback duties.

Newsome’s name has been in trade rumors for a couple of seasons now. But this year could be the breaking point. Newsome could walk away next offseason, leaving the Browns getting nothing in return. The 25-year-old cornerback told Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com that he wants to see the field more this season to remain with the Browns.

“When I talked to Greg Newsome at the Super Bowl on Radio Row back in January or early February, he talked about the fact that he wants to be used more. He was primarily the nickel back last year. He wants to be on the field more often,” Cabot said on the Orange and Browns Talk podcast. “Actually, point blank said, you know, I need to know some things before I want to sign a long-term contract here.”

Myles Garrett Will Set Tone for Brown Defense

Getty ImagesBrowns star Myles Garrett predicts he’ll have his best year yet.

Expectations are low for the Browns heading into the season, with their projected win total set at just 5.5 — the lowest in the NFL. But despite the pessimism, the defense still boasts elite talent at key positions, headlined by star pass-rusher Myles Garrett.

Garrett is back in Cleveland after requesting a trade this offseason. He ultimately signed a four-year, $160 million extension to remain the face of the Browns’ defense.

The former Defensive Player of the Year has already built an impressive resume, but he’s aiming to raise the bar even higher in 2025.

“I look forward to having my best season for sure, and I think it’s trending that way. Been really good, and I think everything’s pointed in that direction,” Garrett said. “And I like where we are as a defensive unit. It’s really firing, really rolling, and I think it’s really clicking as far as the scheme and the plays, especially early on. That’s big.”

Garrett and the Browns will assemble for training camp on July 22.