As the NFL draft approaches, the Philadelphia Eagles are reportedly setting their sights on a significant trade that could bolster their struggling secondary. Greg Newsome, the talented cornerback from the Cleveland Browns, has emerged as a prime target for the Eagles.
Marcus Mosher of Pro Football Focus has identified Philadelphia as an ideal landing spot for Newsome, who has been surrounded by trade rumors following his impressive performances in recent seasons.
The Cleveland Browns have not yet picked up Newsome’s fifth-year option, which carries a substantial $13 million price tag. This decision has fueled speculation that the Browns might be preparing to trade Newsome rather than commit to him long-term.
“If the Browns don’t lock Newsome in for 2025, it would be very unlikely that they would sign him long-term,” noted Mosher, hinting at the potential availability of the cornerback this offseason.
Philadelphia Eagles’ Urgent Need for Defensive Talent
Philadelphia’s interest in Newsome comes at a critical time. The Eagles’ defensive unit finished 31st in the league in passing defense last season, a glaring weakness that contributed to their disappointing performance in the latter half of the year. Despite signing C.J. Gardner-Johnson during free agency, the need for additional talent in the secondary remains acute.
Greg Newsome, a former Northwestern standout picked 26th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, has quickly established himself as a player of interest. Over his brief NFL career, Newsome has shown significant promise.
“He played in 12 games during his rookie campaign, logging 37 tackles and nine passes defended,” and continued to impress in subsequent seasons. In 2023, Newsome recorded his best season yet, with 49 tackles, a couple of interceptions, 14 passes defended, and even scored a defensive touchdown.
Philadelphia #Eagles Plotting Massive Trade with #Browns! https://t.co/LvHxb5xh9P
— NFL Analysis Network (@NFLAnalysisNet) April 23, 2024
Could Greg Newsome be the Answer for the Philadelphia Eagles?
The question now is whether Philadelphia will pursue Newsome as a solution to their defensive woes. With the draft looming, the Eagles might prefer acquiring an experienced player like Newsome over gambling on a rookie, despite potential interest in drafting Toledo cornerback Quinton Mitchell.
Newsome’s ability to make significant impacts on the field—when healthy—makes him a valuable asset for any team needing defensive reinforcement.
As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Cleveland’s decision-making process regarding Newsome’s future. Should the Browns choose to place him on the trading block, the Philadelphia Eagles could be the first to make a move, hoping to secure a key player capable of turning around their fortunes on defense.
As the saga unfolds, both the Browns and Eagles will have crucial decisions to make, each with significant implications for their team’s success in the upcoming NFL season.
Source: nflanalysis
