The Jacksonville Jaguars have made one of the most surprising moves of the 2025 NFL season, acquiring cornerback Greg Newsome II from the Cleveland Browns in a swap that also sent Tyson Campbell to Cleveland. Alongside the player exchange, the teams swapped late-round draft picks — Jacksonville receiving a sixth-rounder and Cleveland taking a seventh-round pick in 2026.
The trade immediately caught the attention of analysts and fans alike. Jacksonville gains a talented, young cornerback entering his prime, while Cleveland secures a more physical defender with longer-term contract control. Let’s break down how this deal unfolded, what it means for both teams, and why it could shape the AFC landscape this season.
Trade Details and Background
Greg Newsome II, a 2021 first-round pick by the Browns, joins the Jaguars in the final year of his rookie deal. Meanwhile, Tyson Campbell, drafted by Jacksonville in 2021, had recently signed a lucrative extension before being moved.
This trade is a win-now move for Jacksonville and a long-term restructuring decision for Cleveland. Newsome brings excellent coverage skills, versatility, and speed — traits the Jaguars have been seeking to bolster their defensive backfield. Campbell, on the other hand, offers Cleveland a taller, more physical presence who excels in press coverage and run support.
Both players are just 25 years old, and their career trajectories still hold significant upside. However, the switch indicates that each team wanted a cornerback better suited to its evolving defensive schemes.
Why the Jaguars Made the Trade
1. A Perfect Fit for the Jaguars’ Defensive Scheme
Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone and head coach Doug Pederson have emphasized a more dynamic, aggressive defense for 2025. Newsome’s quick reaction time, smooth footwork, and ability to shadow elite receivers make him a great fit in both zone and man coverage systems.
Defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, who values ball-hawking corners, will likely use Newsome to create more turnovers — an area the Jaguars struggled with last season. His ability to play inside or outside gives Jacksonville flexibility against pass-heavy offenses.
2. Cap Space and Contract Control
By moving Campbell’s expensive contract, Jacksonville gains short-term salary cap flexibility. Newsome is entering his contract year, meaning the team can evaluate him before committing to a long-term deal. This gives the Jaguars control over their defensive payroll while keeping options open for future free-agent signings or extensions.
3. Building Depth and Competition
The Jaguars now have a talented cornerback rotation featuring Greg Newsome, Darious Williams, and rookie standout Tavon Bridges. Depth in the secondary is crucial, especially in the AFC, where quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Josh Allen test defenses weekly.
What It Means for the Cleveland Browns
While Cleveland loses a young, talented corner in Newsome, the acquisition of Tyson Campbell aligns better with their defensive identity. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz prefers physical, boundary-oriented cornerbacks who can jam receivers and play strong run defense.
Campbell fits that description perfectly. At 6'1" with long arms, he excels at disrupting routes early and forcing quarterbacks to look elsewhere. His physical style complements Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward and emerging star Martin Emerson Jr., giving Cleveland one of the league’s most imposing cornerback trios.
The Browns also gain minor cap relief and a draft pick swap that provides future flexibility. Most importantly, they avoid the looming decision of paying Newsome a potentially large extension next offseason.
Impact on Both Players
For Greg Newsome, the trade represents a new beginning. After an up-and-down tenure in Cleveland, he joins a Jaguars team that believes he can be a top-tier cornerback. The opportunity to play in a fast-paced defense that prioritizes takeaways could help him unlock his full potential.
Meanwhile, Tyson Campbell gets a fresh start in a scheme tailored to his strengths. Injuries and inconsistent play slowed his progress in Jacksonville, but in Cleveland’s physical defense, he’ll have a chance to thrive alongside one of the NFL’s best pass rushes.
Key Challenges Ahead
Both teams face challenges in integrating their new cornerbacks. Newsome will need to quickly learn Jacksonville’s playbook and communication system, while Campbell must adjust to Schwartz’s high-intensity defense.
Additionally, both players have histories of minor injuries — a factor that could influence early-season performance. For Jacksonville, the main concern will be whether Newsome can remain healthy and prove he’s worth a long-term extension. For Cleveland, Campbell’s ability to stay consistent in coverage will determine if this trade pays off.
Big Picture: A Win-Win Trade
From a broader perspective, this deal could benefit both teams. The Jaguars acquire a younger, faster cornerback who fits their defensive goals, while the Browns gain a more physical defender who aligns with their identity.
It’s a trade that reflects the modern NFL mindset — balancing immediate competitiveness with long-term financial and roster flexibility.
If Greg Newsome adapts quickly, he could become one of the AFC South’s standout defenders. For the Browns, Tyson Campbell could emerge as a key piece in a defense that already ranks among the top units in the league.
In short, both teams are betting on change to elevate their postseason hopes.
Conclusion
The Jaguars’ trade for Greg Newsome II is more than just a midseason roster move — it’s a statement about Jacksonville’s ambitions. The team wants to compete now, strengthen its secondary, and build a defense capable of challenging the AFC’s elite offenses.
For Cleveland, the move offers stability, scheme alignment, and cap flexibility heading into the future. Time will tell who truly “wins” this trade, but for now, both franchises appear satisfied with the direction they’re heading.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Newsome and Campbell to see if this bold exchange pays off — for both sides of the ball.
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