Cornerback isn’t a weak spot for the Philadelphia Eagles by any means, with young stars such as Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell among the team’s talent at the position.
But with James Bradberry’s March 2025 release and Darius Slay now in Pittsburgh, some still feel Philadelphia has vacancies in its secondary.
Victor Williams of USA Today’s Eagles Wire got specific in regards to one potential trade target that could be in the works for Philly.
“As training camp looms and roster battles get underway, the Philadelphia Eagles could be monitoring Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II as a potential trade target,” Williams wrote on June 23, adding:
“Kelee Ringo is currently locked in a camp battle with veteran Adoree’ Jackson for the No. 2 cornerback role, while Cooper DeJean has solidified his place in the slot. However, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is known for valuing multifaceted defensive backs, and Newsome’s skillset fits that profile.”
More on Trade Rumors Surrounding Philadelphia Eagles & CB Greg Newsome II
Newsome was the Browns’ first-round pick (26th overall) in the 2021 NFL Draft, after a standout tenure at Northwestern. He’s still young — he just turned 25 in May — and has 42 starts under his belt over his four years in the league.
“Newsome could immediately challenge for a starting role or serve as a high-end rotational piece,” Williams also noted. “Philadelphia is scheduled to hold a joint practice with the Browns on August 13, which could serve as a live audition for Newsome in front of the Eagles’ coaches.”
Williams isn’t the only analyst talking about Newsome coming to Philly.
On Chat Sports’ “Eagles Now” show, analyst Chase Senior discussed trade rumors surrounding Newsome, noting he feels the Browns CB is “one to watch” for the Eagles.
Newsome has a cap hit of $13.4 million for the 2025 season, which is more than any CB on the Eagles’ roster currently makes.
A Look at Newsome’s 4 Years in the NFL
As a rookie, Newsome played in 12 games (11 starts), and he finished with 37 total tackles and nine pass breakups, earning a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team. The following season, in 2022, Newsome started 15 games, amassing 42 tackles, six pass deflections and 0.5 sacks.
He had the best season of his career in 2023, finishing with 49 total tackles (four for loss, a career best), along with career-highs on passes defensed (14) and interceptions (2) — one of which he returned for a touchdown.
That year, he was instrumental in helping the Browns finish with the league’s top-ranked defense in both total yards and passing yards allowed. Across 54 career games (as of the end of the 2024 season), Newsome has tallied 155 total tackles (122 solo), 34 pass breakups, three interceptions, 1.0 sacks and a defensive touchdown.
Entering Year 4 in 2024, Newsome began as a starter but was eventually demoted to CB3 behind Martin Emerson. He wrapped the year with 27 tackles, 5 passes defensed and an interception over 13 games (three starts). His season was cut short in December when a lingering hamstring injury landed him on injured reserve.
Over his first three seasons, Newsome developed into a reliable contributor for the Browns, establishing himself as a physical and instinctive cover corner when healthy. He has yet to play a full season over his four years in the league, however, and that’s a definite concern.
Still, his potential is interesting. If the Browns are sellers, he’d be a solid addition to any DBs room — although the Eagles should be cautious and avoid overpaying for his services.
