Browns have discussed trading Greg Newsome; Elijah Moore and David Njoku also swap candidates?

4:13 p.m.: Given the nature of Njoku’s contract, it would be a surprise if he was assigned. In fact, Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz reports that it’s “highly unlikely” the Browns would approve a trade before tomorrow afternoon. One of the deadline’s key storylines will be the interest generated in Njoku and several other Browns who are considered attractive to contending teams.

10:05 a.m.: Sunday’s loss left the Browns at 2-7 on the year. The team has already dealt Amari Cooperand there could be further steps to come. A trade-sending edge rusher Za’Darius Smith It could be that the Lions are in the right place, and other names on both sides of the ball will be worth watching.

Cleveland has talked about trading away not only Smith, but also the cornerback Greg Newsomewrites Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated. The latter was mentioned as a potential trade candidate this offseason, although nothing emerged in that regard. Newsome was a key member of the Browns’ secondary during his tenure, recording 42 starts. His fifth-year option was picked up in the spring.

As a result, the 24-year-old is scheduled to make $13.38 million, a notable commitment from the Browns or a team in position to sign him before the trade deadline. Cleveland has already done it Denzel Ward coupled with one of the league’s most lucrative CB contracts ($20.1 million per year) and Martin Emerson Jr. will be eligible for an extension this offseason. The 2022 third-rounder recorded an impressive 29 pass deflections in his first two seasons in the league, and he increased that number by five in 2024 (along with a forced fumble).

Keeping Ward in place while committing to a new Emerson contract would make it difficult to extend Newsome. The Northwestern product expressed his desire to remain in Cleveland well beyond 2025 in May. However, no extension discussions took place at that time and there have been no known changes in this regard since then. Taking on the remainder of his $2.4 million base salary for this season would be feasible for prospects looking for help in the secondary, but a big increase in compensation (which is fully guaranteed) next year could limit his trade market .

Elsewhere on the Browns roster, Elijah Moore could also be a name to keep an eye on on the trading front. Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reports that the fourth-year receiver has been in the trade for weeks. Moore is a pending free agent, so Cleveland could look to add draft capital if the team doesn’t consider keeping him this spring. That was the case with Cooper, although Moore’s situation is markedly different at age 24. The Jets’ former second-rounder didn’t live up to expectations during his two seasons in New York, but the move to Cleveland led to a career year last season (59 catches, 640 yards, two touchdowns).

Moore went without a touchdown catch in 2024, but remained a regular in the passing attack with a snap share of 74%. The Ole Miss product could be a comprehensive addition to a contending team on a rental basis if the Browns receive a relatively strong offer. A acquiring team would have to cover the prorated remainder of Moore’s base salary of $3.12 million.

Another Browns pass catcher who could be on the move is David Njokusaid Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk (video link). The Pro Bowl tight end contributed on offense for much of his eight-year career, and last season he set new standards in receptions (81), yards (882) and touchdowns (six). Despite the arrival of wideout Jerry Jeudy Njoku remained an important target in the passing game during the offseason with 43 goals in six games. His contract runs through 2025, and although his base salary this year is just $1.26 million, he is eligible for a $6.56 million option bonus on September 1st.

Therefore, as with Newsome, any acquiring team would have to make a contract decision if Njoku were to be moved before tomorrow’s deadline. Moore’s status as a rental could make him more attractive to buyers, but it will definitely be interesting to see if the Browns are willing to part with any of these players.