In a very broad sense, the Detroit Lions should leave no stones unturned in the effort to find a veteran cornerback, and multiple additions are possible.
While it would be nice to see a big swing to add a legit No. 1 cornerback, and the Lions may be looking to add a "high-end corner", a reshaping of the depth chart seems to be coming with multiple non-tender decisions at the position (Jerry Jacobs, Khalil Dorsey, Chase Lucas).
The Cleveland Browns have three very good cornerbacks: Denzel Ward, Martin Emerson and Greg Newsome. Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post has indicated one of the three could be on the move.
"Multiple GMs said the Cleveland Browns made it clear they are open to dealing one of their top cornerbacks as they try to balance salaries after years of heavy spending.”
La Canfora didn't name names, but Newsome would seem to the one most likely to be moved. He is entering the fourth year of his rookie contract, as the 26th overall pick in 2021 the Browns have a decision to make on his fifth-year option by May 2. The cost of that option, $13.377 million, might be a little steep for Cleveland if they're trying to balance costs.
Lions trade rumors: Greg Newsome on trade radar?
Trade rumors around Newsome aren’t new. He had expressed frustration about playing primarily in the slot in 2022, but under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz last season he set career-highs for tackles (49), pass breakups (14) and interceptions (two).
Newsome has had stretches of high-end play, mixed with inconsistency. He carries himself with a level of confidence and swagger that he doesn’t always consistently back up on the field. But such is the nature of playing corner, having a short memory and not playing scared. The Lions could certainly use a dose of swagger at cornerback.
Within his mention of Newsome as a potential trade target for the Lions, Jeff Risdon of Lions Wire had an additional note.
Very strong indications the Browns are looking to make a move with Newsome. Also very strong indications the Lions have at least picked up the phone to talk about it.
— Jeff Risdon (@JeffRisdon) March 8, 2024
As Risdon noted, a trade for Newsome comes with signing him to a multi-year deal, with the starting point the aforementioned cost of his fifth-year option.
Risdon’s trade proposal for the Lions to get Newsome is the No. 73 pick in this year’s draft and a 2025 fourth-round pick. The question is if an offer like that would get the Browns’ attention, or whether they think they could get better than a third-round pick.
But general manager Brad Holmes knows what he wants in cornerbacks, and Newsome fits the template. He’s also young (24 in May) and likely to come at a lower overall cost than some other options out there.