The NFL saw a notable defensive move as the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns agreed to a cornerback trade, sending Tyson Campbell to the Browns and Greg Newsome to the Jaguars. The deal also involved swaps of mid-to-late round draft picks in 2026, signaling strategic roster adjustments by both teams.
Trade Details
- Jaguars Receive:
- CB Greg Newsome
- 2026 sixth-round pick (from the New York Jets via Cleveland)
- Browns Receive:
- CB Tyson Campbell
- 2026 seventh-round pick (from the Eagles via Jacksonville)
This exchange is effectively a one-for-one swap of starting-caliber cornerbacks with minor draft compensation.
Player Profiles
Tyson Campbell
- Age: 25
- Drafted: 2nd round, 2021 by Jaguars
- Career stats: 296 tackles, 6 interceptions, 42 pass breakups
- 2025 season stats: 34 tackles, 6 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble
- Contract: Four-year, $76.5 million extension signed in July 2024 with $53.4 million guaranteed
Campbell was a high-profile draft pick for Jacksonville, with the organization investing heavily in him via a lucrative extension. While productive, Campbell has not yet earned Pro Bowl recognition, but his combination of size and coverage ability makes him a solid starting cornerback.
Greg Newsome
- Age: 25
- Drafted: 26th overall, 2021 by Cleveland
- Career stats: 178 tackles, 3 interceptions, 37 pass breakups
- 2025 season stats: 23 tackles, 3 pass breakups
- Contract: Playing under the fifth-year option at $13.38 million in 2025
Newsome has shown consistent development since entering the league, but his statistical output has been modest compared to expectations for a first-round pick. His experience and versatility in Cleveland’s secondary make him an appealing addition for Jacksonville.
Strategic Implications for the Jaguars
The Jaguars’ acquisition of Newsome appears aimed at both cap management and positional flexibility. Campbell’s significant guaranteed money made retaining him costly, whereas Newsome’s fifth-year option provides a lower immediate cap hit while offering potential upside. Additionally, the sixth-round pick gives the Jaguars extra draft capital to reinforce depth in future rosters.
Jacksonville may view Newsome as a player who can grow within their system and contribute immediately, particularly if paired with a complementary cornerback to strengthen the secondary. This move could also reflect a shift in defensive philosophy, focusing on matchups and scheme fit rather than purely high-profile contracts.
Strategic Implications for the Browns
For Cleveland, acquiring Campbell brings a young, physically imposing cornerback with a high ceiling. Despite not earning a Pro Bowl nod, Campbell’s athletic profile and career pass breakups suggest he can make an immediate impact in the Browns’ defensive scheme. The swap also provides Cleveland with a late seventh-round pick to address depth needs or take a flyer on developmental talent in the 2026 draft.
The Browns may see Campbell as a key piece in reinforcing their secondary, potentially starting immediately while contributing to special teams. His size and coverage skills could be particularly valuable against the league’s top wide receivers, giving Cleveland more flexibility in pass defense.
Contract and Cap Considerations
The trade highlights the financial strategies teams must balance in the NFL. Campbell’s guaranteed extension placed a significant cap burden on the Jaguars, while Newsome’s option year offers flexibility. The swap allows Jacksonville to alleviate immediate financial pressure while still securing a capable cornerback. Meanwhile, Cleveland assumes Campbell’s contract but gains a player they believe can immediately upgrade their secondary.
Career Outlook
Both players are 25, suggesting their prime years are ahead. Campbell’s previous investment indicates Jacksonville believed in his long-term potential, and Cleveland will likely continue that development. Newsome has shown enough growth to contribute in Jacksonville, and the team may capitalize on coaching schemes to maximize his skill set. Neither has yet reached Pro Bowl-level performance, but the trade represents a chance for each player to redefine their trajectory in a new environment.
Conclusion
The Jaguars-Browns cornerback swap is a calculated move for both teams, balancing talent, contract considerations, and strategic fit. Jacksonville gains a younger, cost-controlled cornerback in Newsome and additional draft capital, while Cleveland acquires a proven player in Campbell who can potentially elevate their pass defense immediately. Both players have opportunity ahead to justify their new roles and contracts.
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