Packers Trade Proposal Suggests Adding Browns Star CB for Mid-Round Pick
The Green Bay Packers, fueled by their strong 5-2 start to the 2024 season, are seen by some analysts as a team poised for a championship run. One such analyst, Marcus Mosher from The 33rd Team, recently suggested a trade to enhance their roster before the NFL trade deadline. He proposed that the Packers should exchange their 2025 third-round pick with the Cleveland Browns for cornerback Greg Newsome II, a former first-round pick.
Mosher noted that the Packers have been looking for a strong cornerback to complement Jaire Alexander and believes Newsome would be an ideal addition. He emphasized the Packers’ ability to manage Newsome’s salary and pointed out that his versatility—being able to play both outside and in the slot—would significantly benefit the team. “With the Packers clearly in a Super Bowl window, acquiring Newsome for a mid-round pick would be advantageous for both teams,” he stated.
This sentiment is echoed by Bleacher Report’s NFL Scouting Department, which highlighted Newsome as a key player the Packers should target to address their No. 2 cornerback issue. Following the Packers’ victory over Houston in Week 7, they noted that Eric Stokes has been struggling, which could hinder the team’s playoff aspirations. They urged the front office to find a reliable second corner to play alongside Alexander.
At the start of the season, the Packers appeared to have solid cornerback depth, with Stokes—drafted 29th overall in 2021—healthy again and looking to regain his form. They also brought back Carrington Valentine after a promising rookie season in 2023. However, both players have underperformed. Stokes has allowed 20 completions and posted a passer rating against of 107.6 without any interceptions or pass breakups. Valentine, sidelined by an ankle injury, has faced limited action with just two completions allowed on three targets.
While the Packers might hope for a turnaround from either corner, acquiring Newsome could provide a more immediate and long-term solution. Despite his own challenges during the Browns’ rough 1-6 start, Newsome had an impressive 2023 season, excelling in press coverage and ranking as one of the top cornerbacks, according to Pro Football Focus.
However, a trade wouldn’t come without risks. The Packers would likely need to part with a Day 2 pick, with Mosher predicting a third-round deal, though the Browns might seek a second-round pick if there’s competition. Keeping Newsome could also be beneficial for the Browns as they navigate a potential rebuild.
Under general manager Brian Gutekunst, the Packers have never made a deadline trade, making such a move seem unlikely. Still, acquiring Newsome wouldn’t involve trading for a player in the final year of his contract; the Browns have already exercised his fifth-year option for 2025. This would provide the Packers with a season and a half to assess his fit in their defense, coinciding with decisions they’ll need to make regarding Alexander’s future, particularly as his cap hit rises to $27.3 million in 2026.
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