If anyone can be counted on to make a big move at the NFL trade deadline, it's the San Francisco 49ers.
In 2022, the 49ers shocked the football world by trading for running back Christian McCaffrey of the Carolina Panthers, perhaps the midseason trade of the last decade. Then, as an encore in 2023, they traded for star edge rusher Chase Young from the Washington Commanders.
The past two years are evidence enough. If the 49ers see fit to make a move, then they'll certainly make a move. And this season, it could be the secondary they address.
Though the 49ers have a pair of solid cornerbacks in Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir, it hasn't translated to good numbers as a whole against the pass this season. The corner depth chart gets thin from there, and a trade to beef up the position could make sense.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report named the 49ers as a fit for Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II in a "trade block" discussion on Wednesday.
"Newsome is a 24-year-old veteran at a premium position and would bring a strong return. He's appeared in all five games this season and has allowed an opposing passer rating of just 78.2 in coverage. He's also set to earn $13.4 million next season on his fifth-year option," Knox said.
"If available, Newsome would be a logical trade target (for the San Francisco 49ers)... who have struggled to defend the pass consistently in 2024."
Newsome, still only 24 years old, has come into his own as a young player in Cleveland. He totaled 57 total points saved from 2022-2023, per Sports Info Solutions, while adding his first two career interceptions a season ago.
Now that the Browns are floundering, it could make sense for them to recoup some value for the young corner before they risk losing him for nothing in free agency. And with the 49ers struggling to find cornerback depth behind Ward and Lenoir, Newsome could save the season.
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