The Miami Dolphins are running out of time to fix their biggest concern heading into the 2025 season — and a new prediction suggests general manager Chris Grier may have one more move up his sleeve.
AOL’s Jordan O'Malley believes that Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II is a name to watch for Miami in the final stretch before rosters settle.
“Newsome might not start in Cleveland this year and is heading into the final year of his rookie deal,” O’Malley wrote. “That’s the kind of situation Miami loves to exploit—low-cost, high-upside. They’d get a plug-and-play option for a shaky secondary, and Cleveland gets value now instead of letting him walk next spring.”
It's a move that would make plenty of sense for both sides. Newsome, a 2021 first-round pick, is currently on his club option year of a four-year, $12.7 million deal, though his fifth-year option is worth a sizable $13.3 million, per Spotrac. After making 42 starts in four seasons, he enters 2025 in an uncertain role in Cleveland following an injury-plagued campaign that saw him miss four games and start just three. With the Browns stocked at corner and Newsome unlikely to land a long-term extension, the Dolphins may view him as a low-risk, high-reward rental.
Miami could certainly use the help.
The Dolphins’ secondary has been one of the most questioned position groups this offseason. After trading away Jalen Ramsey to the Steelers in a deal that brought back safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and tight end Jonnu Smith, the depth chart has been in flux.
“Fitzpatrick had just one interception over the past two seasons and allowed an opposing passer rating of 127.6 in coverage last season,” Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox pointed out. He added that while Fitzpatrick isn’t likely to be a bust, he’ll need to play “extremely well to bring a sense of balance to the exchange.”
That exchange — essentially a Ramsey-for-Fitzpatrick swap — was viewed as a mixed bag by analysts.
NFL.com’s Ed Edholm noted the Dolphins “sent away the Dolphins’ leading pass catcher from 2024 and one of its most talented defenders,” adding that “the lack of depth at certain spots has to really worry McDaniel.”
Trading for Newsome could be a way to balance that concern. While not the same caliber of lockdown corner as Ramsey at his peak, Newsome is a capable starter with experience and a relatively affordable contract. He would offer Miami an immediate upgrade on the outside and relieve pressure from the returning Fitzpatrick, who has struggled in coverage over the last two seasons.
And perhaps just as important — it would signal that Grier isn’t done yet.
For a front office and coaching staff under increasing scrutiny, acquiring Newsome would be a calculated swing to stabilize a vulnerable unit. With head coach Mike McDaniel already on the hot seat and the secondary facing serious doubts, Miami might need more than hope to survive the AFC gauntlet.