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

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

10:05 am: Sunday’s loss dropped the Browns to 2-7 on the year. The team has already distributed Amari Kuiperand more moves could follow. A trade-sending edge rusher Za’Darius Smith to the Lions may be in order, and other names on both sides of the ball will be worth watching.

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

As a result, the 24-year-old is expected to make $13.38 million, a notable commitment on the part of the Browns or any team that can acquire him before the trade deadline. Cleveland has already done that Denzel district attached to one of the league’s most lucrative CB contracts ($20.1 million per year), and Martin Emerson Jr. is eligible for an extension this season. The 2022 third-rounder recorded a whopping 29 pass deflections during his first two seasons in the league, and he’s added five more to that total in 2024 (along with a forced fumble).

Keeping Ward in place while inking a new Emerson contract would make it difficult to extend Newsome. The Northwestern product expressed in May his desire to remain in Cleveland well beyond 2025. However, no extension talks took place at that time and no change has been announced in that regard since. Absorbing the remainder of his $2.4 million base salary for this season would be feasible for contenders looking for help in the secondary, but a steep 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 watch on the trade front. The fourth-year receiver has been on the trading block for weeks, reports Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports. Moore is a pending free agent, so Cleveland could look to add capital if the team doesn’t plan to keep him this spring. That was the case with Cooper, although Moore’s situation at 24 is remarkably different. The former Jets second-rounder didn’t live up to expectations during his two seasons in New York, but the move to Cleveland resulted in a career year last season (59 catches, 640 yards, two touchdowns).

Moore was held without a touchdown catch in 2024, but he has remained a fixture in the passing attack with a 74% rushing share. The Ole Miss product could be a depth addition to a contending team on loan if the Browns receive a relatively strong offer. An acquiring team would pick up the prorated remainder of Moore’s $3.12 million base salary.

Another Browns pass catcher who could be on the move is David Njokuaccording to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk (video link). The Pro Bowl tight end has been a consistent contributor to the offense for much of his eight-year career, and last season he set new benchmarks in receptions (81), yards (882) and touchdowns (six). Despite the arrival of wideout Jerry Jeudy in the offseason, Njoku remained a top target in the passing game with 43 goals in six games. He is under contract through 2025, and while his base salary is only $1.26 million that year, he is due a $6.56 million option bonus on September 1.

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