The Minnesota Vikings had a surprising 2024 season, going 14-3 but unfortunately finishing second in the NFC North behind the Detroit Lions. After a disappointing first-round exit, the Vikings are hungry for more in 2025. With a new quarterback at the helm, they have their eyes set on making another jump and competing with the best teams the NFC offers.
Teams are getting better, and the Vikings are looking to do the same. Dealing with losses in their secondary during free agency, they could be looking to replace those players via trade.
Minnesota Linked to a Potential New CB
The Vikings lost two key pieces to their secondary in the offseason with the departures of Camryn Bynum to the Indianapolis Colts and Stephon Gilmore, who remains a free agent. When looking at potential replacements, CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin predicts the Vikings will get on the phone with the Cleveland Browns and trade for cornerback Greg Newsome II.
General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is no stranger to Newsome, having spent time with Cleveland when the Browns selected him. Newsome started only three games in 2024 but has shown his ability in previous years. A player like Newsome could prove valuable to a defensive mind like Brian Flores.
The Vikings could certainly use Newsome. He would slide in next to Byron Murphy Jr. and Mekhi Blackmon, who played significant roles in Minnesota in 2024. With veteran additions like Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah providing depth, Newsome would add both depth to the secondary and starting-caliber defensive acumen to improve the back end of the Minnesota defense.
Newsome’s best NFL season came in 2023, when he snagged two interceptions, defended 14 passes, and recorded half a sack. Last season, he struggled but added another interception to his career tally. He will be looking for a bounce-back year resembling his 2023 success as he aims to earn a big contract in free agency after this season.
Newsome’s current contract includes a fifth-year option after he fulfills his four-year, $12,748,736 deal with the Browns, which triggered his fifth-year option available for past first-round picks worth $13,377,000. A change of scenery might be best for both sides, as the Browns can free up cap space, and with Newsome seeing a decline in opportunities in Cleveland, he gets a chance to prove he deserves more come season’s end.
Newsome was not happy with his role in 2024. Browns beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot spoke about Newsome’s disappointment with his contributions and desire for more playing time.
“He was primarily the nickel back last year. He wants to be on the field more often. More tellingly, Newsome actually point blank said, ‘You know, I need to know some things before I want to sign a long-term contract here,” Cabot said on Newsome’s issues with the Browns.
Greg Newsome is frustrated with his role. pic.twitter.com/NDphhwAJyG
— BrownsNation.com (@BrownsNationcom) June 27, 2025
A change of scenery, especially to Minnesota, should allow him to prove his worth. An uptick in playing time in Cleveland could also do the trick. Newsome is seeking a long-term contract and wants to guarantee himself a role in Cleveland, Minnesota or another team outside of the predicted Vikings. His future remains to be decided and could change over the next few weeks. He will be a name to watch.