It isn't a secret that the Dallas Cowboys' defense needs some reinforcements. Poor depth, the loss of Micah Parsons, and injuries have all contributed to a miserable start to the 2025 season, and things have grown so dark that already, fans are speculating how soon defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus could be fired.
With an underwhelming 45.6 Pro Football Focus coverage grade (27th), the secondary is something the Cowboys must upgrade. Several teams could be selling off defensive backs closer to the playoffs, including the 1-2 Cleveland Browns. That's why veteran cornerback Greg Newsome is the perfect option if the Browns are willing to part ways with him before November.
Browns CB Greg Newsome Is the Perfect Cowboys Trade Target
Newsome would provide the Cowboys stability in coverage, and once Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland return, they would have a solid shutdown trio on their hands. While no one would blame the Browns for wanting to hold on to the 25-year-old defender, the fact that his future in Cleveland isn't guaranteed opens him up for a trade.
Newsome is playing on his rookie contract's fifth-year option, meaning he'll become a free agent at the end of the 2025 season. It isn't a hot take to point out that re-signing with the Browns isn't exactly going to be horribly enticing, setting up the very real probability that Newsome is already going to leave Cleveland, no matter what happens between now and March. With an uncertain future looming, the Browns could opt to trade him for a draft pick or two rather than losing him for nothing.
For the Cowboys, it is a chance for owner/general manager Jerry Jones to spend a bit of the money he didn't want to give Parsons. Considering how Diggs and Bland are signed through 2028 and 2029, respectively, Dallas would secure the long-term future of its CB room by trading for and extending Newsome.
Newsome's 68.4 overall PFF grade isn't amazing, but he's been held back by an offense that consistently leaves the defense on the field. Still, it's worth noting that his 67.4 coverage grade is much higher than last year's mark (54.0), proving that he's trending in the right direction. A fresh start with the Cowboys could take things to the next level.
Jones and the front office should at least reach out to Cleveland to gauge potential interest in getting a deal done, especially if other teams have a similar idea. Newsome would look great in a Cowboys jersey, and it's time for those in charge to get the defense the help it sorely needs.