Trade rumors are circulating. Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome's position and contract situation have made him the subject of rumors, but a team insider says the Browns are not actively trying to trade him.
Newsome has been playing as the team's nickel cornerback, while Martin Emerson and Denzel Ward plays on the outside. The team also needs to decide on his fifth-year option, which is valued at $13.377 million..
Despite the rumors, Browns insider Brad Stainbrook doesn't think Newsome will be traded during the draft.
A league source tells TheOBR.com that multiple organizations have not heard of general manager Andrew Berry trying to trade the cornerback. Stainbrook reported this on April 25. He also mentioned the possibility of a team reaching out to the Browns if they miss out on a cornerback in the draft, but emphasized that the Browns are not actively looking to trade Newsome.
Browns Value Cornerback Depth With Greg Newsome
Berry has expressed the importance of having a strong cornerback lineup, though he cautioned that public statements from a GM may not always reflect their true intentions. when discussing the Newsome rumors — although what a GM says publicly shouldn’t always be taken at face value.
“I want as many good corners as possible,” Berry said on April 18. “Your base offense and defense is really more three receivers and three corners in this day and age. So that’s really how we think about it.
“Corner is a premium position. We have three guys who can play press-man coverage at a very, very, very high level. That’s not a skill set that I’m looking to give away.”
While Newsome may not be traded, there are questions about his long-term future in Cleveland. The Browns have already locked up Ward with a lucrative deal. Emerson would appear to be in line to be the next. With some other big contracts on the books, it seems unlikely the Browns would have the ability to extend all three cornerbacks.
“While it is considered likely as of today that Cleveland will pick up the $13.377 million dollar 5th-year option for Newsome, there is no guarantee that Cleveland will extend the former first-round pick,” Stainbrook said.
Browns CB Greg Newsome Not Bothered by Trade Rumors
Newsome is not afraid to voice his opinions in interviews and on social media. When recently asked about his name being involved in trade rumors, he said it doesn’t bother him too much.
“I don’t pay attention. But obviously my family and stuff tell me and ask me,” Newsome said on Tuesday, April 16. “What goes through my head is nothing. I feel like I’m comfortable here. [Andrew Berry] and the ownership and all my coaches know what I’m capable of, they know what I bring to this team, not just on the field, being one of those glue guys — being a guy that’s always energetic, celebrating no matter what. I feel like they know my value. So I wasn’t too worried about that.”
Newsome achieved career-highs in tackles, tackles for loss, pass breakups, and interceptions last season. Trade rumors are swirling around Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome this offseason, but a team insider says the team is not actively looking to trade the former first-round pick. (49), tackles for loss (4), pass breakups (14) and interceptions (2) last season.
