Cleveland Browns Could Prioritize Youthful Expertise Over Greg Newsome II, However Why?

The Cleveland Browns’ “non-football” assembly with Kirk Cousins didn’t bear fruit in April, however the group just isn’t but performed with post-draft trades.

The newest rumor signifies that buying and selling Greg Newsome II might be part of the group’s future plans in prioritizing youthful skills and draft picks.

Greg Newsome II’s Journey from Northwestern to the NFL

Greg Newsome II established himself at Northwestern University for 3 years, from 2018 till 2020. Despite coping with accidents, Newsome developed a fame as a lockdown cornerback. Dawgs by Nature reported that Newsome had a median protection grade of 72.5, indicating that he was a strong starter just a few years again.

In solely 21 video games for Northwestern, he had 71 whole tackles, one sort out for loss, and one interception. His spectacular play was all that was wanted to earn him a first-round choose within the 2021 NFL Draft, chosen twenty sixth total by the Browns.

Consistent Play in Cleveland

As a league member, Newsome has persistently made contributions to the Browns’ protection. In 4 seasons, he has gathered 155 whole tackles and three interceptions. His spectacular rookie season led to his choice on the 2021 NFL All-Rookie Team, making him a standout younger cornerback within the league.

Even with these accomplishments, Cleveland is claimed to be open to buying and selling Newsome. The Browns are in transition and may look to money in on Newsome’s price by buying youthful gamers or future draft picks.

Contract Situation Could Trigger Trade

One of the largest drivers of commerce rumors is Newsome’s contract state of affairs, based on Sports Illustrated. The 2024 season is the final yr of his rookie contract, because the Browns picked up his fifth-year choice. Yet with no extension past the rookie contract, Newsome will probably be an unrestricted free agent in 2025.

If Cleveland just isn’t going to increase him, there isn’t a purpose to not commerce the burgeoning cornerback now. Allowing him to go away for nothing subsequent offseason could be an enormous loss for a group that wishes to get higher sooner or later.

The Browns have not lived as much as projections with their present roster basis. Injuries and inconsistency have had them working in circles, unable to ascertain rhythm or success in a particularly aggressive AFC North. That actuality has put even gifted veterans like Newsome on the commerce block because the entrance workplace assesses its long-term imaginative and prescient.

Cleveland would possibly select to build up picks and generate cap area freedom by buying and selling Newsome. Conversely, if the Browns regard him because the spine of their protection, they will negotiate a contract extension earlier than the beginning of the season.