The Detroit Lions are coming off a historic 2024 season, finishing with 15 wins and their second consecutive NFC North title, but their playoff run was cut short in the Divisional Round. To bounce back stronger and make a serious Super Bowl push in 2025, the Lions must strengthen their defense. One perfect move to accomplish that is acquiring Greg Newsome II, a young and talented cornerback from the Cleveland Browns.
Why This Trade Makes Sense for the Lions
Despite a down year in 2024, Newsome II has been impressive in his first three seasons. As a former first-round pick, he excels in press-man coverage, a style that fits the Lions’ defensive system under new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard. With the potential departure of veteran Carlton Davis III in free agency, Newsome II would instantly bolster the Lions’ cornerback room, starting opposite Terrion Arnold and allowing Amik Robertson and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. to contribute as slot players or backups.
Why It Makes Sense for the Browns
Cleveland is in salary cap turmoil, with over $24 million in cap space issues. Trading Newsome II would give them significant cap relief, especially with his $13.38 million cap hit in 2025. This trade would help them get closer to being salary-cap compliant while allowing the Lions to benefit from his talents.
The Trade:
Lions receive: CB Greg Newsome II
Browns receive: 2026 third-round pick (compensatory)
With $51 million in cap space, the Lions have the flexibility to pull off this trade, potentially adding a key defensive piece that could improve their chances in 2025. If Newsome II fits in Detroit’s system, this could be a trade that makes both immediate and long-term sense for the Lions.
The Perfect Trade the Lions Must Make in the 2025 Offseason
