Vikings Linked to Spicy New Trade Suggestion
When analyzing the Minnesota Vikings’ current 90-man roster, some onlookers believe the cornerback section could use a little beef.
CBS Sports floated a spicy new trade idea involving the Vikings and Greg Newsome II — and fans would love it if general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah could pull off the deal.
Led by Byron Murphy Jr., Minnesota employs several possible breakout candidates at cornerback but no sure-fire starting solutions.
So when CBS Sports‘ Cody Benjamin recommended a Minnesota trade for Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II last week, the idea was greeted with open arms.
CBS Sports Recommends a Vikings Trade for CB Greg Newsome II
Benjamin published an article late last week, detailing five summer trade proposals around the NFL. Newsome II to Minnesota made the cut.
He explained, “Why it makes sense: Minnesota spent big to address both trenches this offseason, but the one non-quarterback spot that lacks top-end answers is the secondary, now sans veteran starters like Stephon Gilmore and Camryn Bynum.”
“Forward-thinking general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was in the Browns’ front office when Cleveland spent a first-rounder on Newsome in 2021, and at just 25, the former Northwestern standout has the upside to become a longer-term option for Brian Flores’ defense.”
If Newsome II is indeed available, Minnesota can probably secure his services for the equivalent of a 4th- or 5th-Round pick. The Browns are cash-strapped because of Deshaun Watson’s heinous contract, and extending Newsome II beyond his rookie contract just doesn’t feel realistic. He’s eligible for an extension as early as now.
“Why would the Browns give up such a young chess piece? Despite his draft reputation, Newsome managed just three starts in Jim Schwartz’s unit in 2024, and he’s headed into a contract year,” Benjamin added.
A Vikings Swap for Greg Newsome II Is the Latest and Greatest Theory
Newsome II has ties to general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah from the Browns days.
A Drawback Detailed by Benjamin
It wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows regarding Newsome II to the Twin Cities.
Benjamin observed on a possible hurdle, “Potential holdups: The Vikings paid top dollar to retain Byron Murphy Jr. at one cornerback spot, and they might just be comfortable rolling with bargain additions like Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah down the depth chart.”
“And the Browns, while perpetually rebuilding, might want to stash Newsome as insurance; after all, how many other young building blocks do they have?”
Minnesota has talked the talk all offseason about Isaiah Rodgers, and when it’s all said and done, he might just be “the guy” at CB2. Still, one might surmise that Newsome II is a more proven commodity.
It’s also worth noting that general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah worked in the Browns’ front office four years ago when Cleveland drafted Newsome II. He should know Newsome II’s scouting report quite intimately.
Greg Newsome II’s Body of Work
Here’s Newsome II’s Pro Football Focus resume since 2021:
- 2024: 52.2
- 2023: 66.0
- 2022: 69.1
- 2021: 68.1
Newsome II just turned 25 this offseason, equipped with youth on his side. In fact, he’s younger than Vikings cornerback Mekhi Blackmon, who was drafted two years later than Newsome II.
This is the passer rating against production:
- 2024: 112.5
- 2023: 74.8
- 2022: 84.6
- 2021: 85.6
If Newsome II’s numbers look a little downtrodden in 2024, well, many Browns players experienced career downturns inside a wayward and unsuccessful season.
The Vikings’ CB Room with Newsome II
If Minnesota swung the deal for Newsome II, the cornerback unit could look like this in September:
- Byron Murphy Jr.
- Greg Newsome II
- Isaiah Rodgers
- Mekhi Blackmon
- Jeff Okudah
- Dwight McGlothern
Just one more starting-caliber corner would give Minnesota a boost on an otherwise Super Bowl-contending roster.
Jalen Ramsey Trade Theory
Some Vikings fans have been fixated on a potential Jalen Ramsey deal this summer. He’s on the block, and Benjamin picked the Los Angeles Chargers as his next NFL home.
He noted, “Why it makes sense: Ramsey and the Miami Dolphins have basically been broadcasting the cornerback’s trade availability for weeks, anticipating a breakup less than one year after the two sides struck a lucrative contract extension. And early indications are Ramsey would prefer to land in Los Angeles.”
“A reunion with the Rams makes sense given their title aspirations and secondary needs, but the Chargers were reportedly close to swinging a major deal for Metcalf earlier this offseason, so they could be even more primed to part with real draft capital, this time to shore up the back end of Jesse Minter’s defense. They’ve still got north of $25 million in 2025 salary cap space.”
Fans would enjoy a Ramsey trade more than one involving Newsome II, but Newsome II would be affordable. Ramsey’s contract is ginormous.
The Vikings’ first regular season game is exactly 10 weeks away.
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