The Detroit Lions recently missed out on a potential trade opportunity to acquire Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II. According to reports, the Browns traded Newsome to the Jacksonville Jaguars, leaving the Lions to explore other options in the market.

Why Newsome Was a Perfect Fit

Newsome’s athleticism and physical tools made him an attractive target for the Lions. Standing at 6’1″, he brings a level of size and athleticism that’s hard to find in cornerbacks. His ability to play both outside and in the slot would have provided the Lions’ defense with much-needed versatility.

Trade Details

The Jaguars reportedly sent a sixth-round pick (from the New York Jets) and cornerback Tyson Campbell to the Browns in exchange for Newsome. This trade suggests that the Browns were looking to shed some salary cap space and potentially set themselves up for a contract extension negotiation in the future.

Impact on the Lions

The Lions’ cornerback position is a pressing concern, especially with D.J. Reed and Terrion Arnold dealing with injuries. Carlton Davis’s acquisition is a temporary solution, but the team still needs to address the position in the long term. Newsome would have fit nicely into the Lions’ defense, but now they’re left exploring other options ¹.

Alternative Targets

One potential target for the Lions could be D.J. Reed, who’s expected to hit free agency. Reed has consistently been one of the better cover cornerbacks in the NFL, and his experience would be invaluable to the Lions’ young secondary. However, it’s uncertain whether the Lions will be willing to meet his projected $14.7 million average annual salary ².

Conclusion

The Lions will need to continue evaluating their options and potentially make further moves to bolster their cornerback position. With the NFL trade deadline approaching, the team might need to act quickly to find a suitable replacement for Aidan Hutchinson and address their defensive needs.