The Philadelphia Eagles are poised to make waves in the NFL trade market this summer, with their sights potentially set on a versatile young cornerback, Greg Newsome II, from the Cleveland Browns. As the Eagles gear up for the 2025 season, their secondary remains a focal point, particularly with young talent Kelee Ringo vying for a starting role. However, a blockbuster trade for Newsome could shake things up in Philly’s defensive backfield, catching fans by surprise.
Selected 105th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Kelee Ringo has patiently waited for his opportunity to shine. The 23-year-old cornerback saw limited action in his rookie season due to injuries in the Eagles’ secondary but took a backseat in 2024 after the team hired new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and drafted Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean in the early rounds. Now, entering his third season, Ringo has a prime opportunity to claim the starting cornerback spot opposite Mitchell, with DeJean slotted in the nickel role. However, Ringo’s performance in training camp will be critical, as he faces competition from veteran Adoree’ Jackson.
According to insider Anthony DiBona of The Philly Special Show, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman may not sit idly by if Ringo struggles to secure the CB2 role. DiBona suggests that Philadelphia could target Greg Newsome II, a former first-round pick by the Browns, in a trade to bolster Fangio’s secondary. At just 25 years old, Newsome brings versatility and experience, having played 1,428 snaps at outside cornerback and 1,163 snaps in the slot, per Pro Football Focus. His $13.3 million fully guaranteed contract for 2025 is a significant investment, but with Philadelphia’s $30.7 million in cap space and 13 projected draft picks in 2026, the Eagles have the resources to make such a move.
Newsome’s role in Cleveland diminished in 2024, as he was demoted to the third cornerback spot and later placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. With his time in Cleveland potentially nearing an end, the Browns may look to trade him to recoup value before he hits unrestricted free agency in 2026. DiBona points to the Eagles’ joint practice with the Browns on August 13, 2025, as a key moment to watch. This session, following Philly’s preseason opener, could serve as a critical evaluation period. If Ringo hasn’t solidified his position over Jackson by then, Roseman may pull the trigger on a trade for Newsome.
Ringo, however, isn’t making it easy for the Eagles to look elsewhere. Reports from OTAs and minicamp indicate that he has impressed the coaching staff, benefiting from a full year in Fangio’s defensive scheme. Fangio’s reputation for being selective with playing time—evidenced by his slow integration of DeJean last season—suggests that Ringo’s development could make him the preferred choice to start at CB2. Still, Roseman’s history of taking chances on former high draft picks, like the 2024 trade for Jahan Dotson, keeps the door open for a bold move.
A trade for Newsome would add a dynamic, versatile piece to Philly’s secondary, capable of playing both outside and in the slot. While his $13.3 million price tag represents a gamble for a potential one-year rental, the Eagles’ financial flexibility and draft capital make it a feasible option. Whether the deal materializes in August or closer to the 2025 trade deadline, Newsome’s potential arrival in Philadelphia would be a blockbuster move that could reshape the Eagles’ defense and surprise fans across the NFL.