The Philadelphia Eagles are poised to make waves in the NFL once again, with their latest move signaling a bold commitment to building a championship-caliber defense under coordinator Vic Fangio. As training camp heats up, the Eagles have officially named second-year cornerback Kelee Ringo as a key piece of their secondary, but the blockbuster buzz surrounding a potential trade for Cleveland Browns’ star Greg Newsome II is stealing the spotlight. With a fully guaranteed $13.3 million contract for 2025, Newsome could become the cornerstone of an unprecedented defensive overhaul in Philadelphia.
Ringo’s Rise and the Battle for CB2
Selected 105th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Kelee Ringo has patiently bided his time behind a stacked Eagles secondary. The 23-year-old saw limited action during his rookie season due to injuries in Philly’s defensive backfield but took a backseat in 2024 after the arrivals of first-round picks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, along with Fangio’s new defensive scheme. Now, entering his third season, Ringo has emerged as the frontrunner to start opposite Mitchell on the boundary, with DeJean anchoring the slot.
Ringo’s impressive performances during OTAs and minicamp have earned him high praise from the coaching staff. Having spent a full year mastering Fangio’s complex system, the young cornerback appears ready to make the leap to CB2. However, the Eagles’ front office, led by general manager Howie Roseman, is known for its relentless pursuit of talent, and the looming positional battle between Ringo and veteran Adoree’ Jackson could dictate the team’s next move.
The Greg Newsome II Blockbuster Trade Rumors
According to insider Anthony DiBona of The Philly Special Show, the Eagles are keeping a close eye on Cleveland Browns’ cornerback Greg Newsome II as a potential trade target. The 25-year-old former first-rounder has seen his role diminish in Cleveland, where he was demoted to the third cornerback spot in 2024 before landing on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. With Newsome’s time in Cleveland potentially nearing an end, the Eagles could swoop in to acquire a versatile, high-upside player to solidify Fangio’s secondary.
Newsome’s ability to play both outside and slot cornerback makes him an ideal fit for Philadelphia’s defense. Per Pro Football Focus, he has logged 1,428 snaps at outside cornerback and 1,163 snaps in the slot, showcasing his flexibility. Despite his reduced role in 2024, Newsome’s three strong seasons to start his career highlight his potential to thrive in a new environment.
DiBona points to Philadelphia’s joint practice with the Browns on August 13 as a critical date to watch. If Ringo hasn’t secured the starting role over Jackson by then, Roseman could pull the trigger on a trade for Newsome, leveraging the Eagles’ league-leading $30.7 million contract and 13 projected draft selections in 2026 to make it happen. Newsome’s $13.3 million fully guaranteed contract for 2025 is a significant investment, but Philadelphia’s cap flexibility and Roseman’s history of targeting former high draft picks—like the 2024 trade for Jahan Dotson—make this move plausible.
Making History in Philadelphia
If the Eagles acquire Newsome, he could make unprecedented history in Philadelphia as part of a revamped secondary featuring young, elite talent. Paired with Mitchell, DeJean, and potentially Ringo, Newsome would add another dynamic playmaker to a defense already brimming with potential. His versatility would allow Fangio to deploy creative schemes, keeping opposing offenses on their heels.
While Newsome’s contract runs only through 2025, with unrestricted free agency looming in 2026, the Eagles could view him as a key piece for a Super Bowl push. Alternatively, a strong season could pave the way for a long-term extension, cementing Newsome’s place in Philadelphia’s defensive future.
Ringo’s Opportunity and the Eagles’ Depth
Even if the Eagles don’t pursue Newsome, Ringo’s emergence underscores the team’s enviable depth at cornerback. Fangio’s reluctance to rush young players into starting roles—as seen with DeJean’s gradual integration last season—suggests that Ringo’s progress is significant. The coaching staff’s confidence in the young cornerback, combined with the team’s wealth of draft capital and cap space, positions Philadelphia to remain aggressive in the trade market, whether in August or before the 2025 trade deadline.
Final Thoughts
The Eagles are at a crossroads, with Kelee Ringo’s ascent and the tantalizing possibility of a blockbuster trade for Greg Newsome II shaping the narrative of their 2025 season. Whether Ringo locks down the CB2 role or Newsome arrives to make history in Philadelphia, one thing is clear: Howie Roseman and Vic Fangio are building a secondary that could dominate the NFL for years to come. As training camp unfolds and the August 13 joint practice with Cleveland approaches, all eyes will be on the Eagles’ next move.