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Rams Urged To Fix Biggest Weakness With A Bold Trade Before The Season

Originally posted on LAFB Network | By Ryan Anderson | Last updated Aug 30, 2025 9:55 PM ET

The Los Angeles Rams surprised many by winning the NFC West last season on the strength of a dominant second half. Heading into 2025, they’re viewed by some as a potential dark horse contender again. But for all their talent, one glaring weakness remains: the cornerback position.

Los Angeles finished 20th in pass defense last year, and much of that stemmed from inconsistency in the secondary. Despite efforts to shore up the position — including exploratory interest in reuniting with Jalen Ramsey before he was dealt to Pittsburgh — the Rams ultimately opened the season with five corners, led by Ahkello Witherspoon and Darious Williams. That duo has experience, but questions linger about whether it’s enough for a deep playoff run.

Could the Rams Fix Their Biggest Weakness with a Bold Trade for Greg Newsome II?

Rams Urged To Fix Biggest Weakness With A Bold Trade Before The Season 1 Yannick Peterhans-Imagn Images

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That’s why Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton floated an intriguing solution: trading for Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II. Moton suggested the Rams could send a fifth-round pick in 2026 to land the former first-rounder.

“By the trade deadline, the Browns may be strong sellers. Newsome would be an appealing asset,” Moton wrote. “Though he’s coming off his worst season, the 25-year-old put together three consecutive solid campaigns as a versatile inside-outside cover defender. Newsome can strengthen the Rams’ pass defense, which ranked 20th in yards allowed in 2024.”

There’s a catch, though. Cleveland’s depth at cornerback has thinned after Martin Emerson Jr. suffered a season-ending Achilles tear, leaving Newsome as a key piece opposite Denzel Ward. Unless the Browns stumble badly — ESPN currently ranks them 30th in the league after the draft — moving him may not be an option until later in the season.

Still, the fit in Los Angeles makes sense. Newsome flashed standout ability in 2023 with 49 tackles, 14 passes defended, and two interceptions. For his career, he has 34 deflections and three picks, production that would instantly boost a secondary that saw Witherspoon lead the team with just nine deflections last year.

There’s also the matter of opportunity. Newsome has made the playoffs only once in Cleveland, and a move to Los Angeles would give him a shot at competing for a Super Bowl while solidifying the Rams’ most pressing need. As Moton put it: “Los Angeles should put less stress on the offense to outscore teams and invest more in its secondary.”

For a team looking to build on momentum, it may take exactly that kind of swing.

This article first appeared on LAFB Network and was syndicated with permission.

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