Jaguars Acquire No. 2 Pick, Select WR/CB Travis Hunter
The Jaguars are making major moves up the draft board. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Jacksonville has acquired the No. 2 pick from the Browns. The Jaguars are using that second overall selection on Colorado’s Travis Hunter.
Full details of the trade:
Jaguars acquire:
- 2025 first-round pick (No. 2)
- 2025 fourth-round pick (No. 104)
- 2025 sixth-round pick (No. 200)
Browns acquire:
- 2025 first-round pick (No. 5)
- 2025 second-round pick (No. 36)
- 2025 fourth-round pick (No. 126)
- Jaguars’ 2026 first-round pick
It’s a stunning development, although not completely unfounded. We heard earlier today that the Jaguars were sniffing around at a trade up the draft board, with their sights set on Hunter. There were occasional rumblings that the Browns would consider moving back, but it was assumed they’d stay put and select one of the draft’s few blue chip prospects.
Cleveland was a popular potential landing spot for Hunter, but instead the two-way threat will suddenly land in Jacksonville. The Heisman winner has remained insistent that he aims to continue playing at both receiver and cornerback as a pro. Hunter also indicated that teams were receptive to that idea, stating that the concept of playing on offense and defense in the NFL has not been an issue for the teams he has spoken with.
The Jaguars are coming off a disappointing season that led to sweeping changes in leadership. Liam Coen has been brought in as head coach, with ex-Rams exec James Gladstone guiding the front office. That duo is making an immediate swing that they’re hoping will turn around the fortunes of the organization.
On offense, Hunter would provide Trevor Lawrence with another dynamic option. 2024 first-round pick Brian Thomas was a hit, as the wideout finished his rookie campaign with 1,330 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns. Hunter and Thomas will form perhaps the best young receiver duo in the NFL, and there’s a belief the 2025 second-overall pick will ultimately settle into an offensive role.
The team may not feel as much urgency to use the rookie on the defensive side of the ball, although Hunter is also considered an elite prospect at cornerback. He split snaps nearly evenly during his Heisman-winning 2024 season. The team returns their top three CBs from 2024 (Tyson Campbell, Jarrian Jones, Montaric Brown) and they added Jourdan Lewis in free agency. That could allow Hunter to serve in a rotational role as he juggles playing both sides of the ball as a professional.
Hunter was considered one of the draft’s elite prospects following his headline-grabbing 2024 campaign. The Colorado star finished the season with 1,263 yards from scrimmage and 16 touchdowns, and he added another 36 tackles and four interceptions on defense. He beat out Ashton Jeanty narrowly for the Heisman and had been earmarked for the No. 2 draft slot for weeks.
After making a pre-draft trade with Houston involving Day 3 picks — including a fifth-rounder this year — Cleveland will now land the fifth overall pick, plus an early second and a future first. The Browns were often connected to Hunter or Abdul Carter, and it was expected that they’d resist trade inquiries and opt for the blue chip prospect. Instead, the Browns will turn to the second tier of draft options.
Browns Draft DT Mason Graham At No. 5
After trading down from No. 2, the Browns loomed as a team capable of moving down the board once again. Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports that Cleveland took calls and was willing to execute another trade. Instead, the Browns have stayed pat and selected Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham at No. 5 overall. 
In many respects, Graham is considered the best interior defensive line prospect in this year’s draft class. A two-year starter in Ann Arbor with a National Championship victory under his belt, Graham may not have stuffed the stat sheet in the offensive backfield, only notching nine sacks and 17 tackles for loss in three years, but his presence was felt and appreciated all over the defense.
Coming from a wrestling background, Graham wins with low body position and leverage. He sheds blocks with ease and works extremely hard to keep the ball in front of him. He strength, effort, and quick twitch off the line of scrimmage will be extremely valuable in Cleveland.
Graham immediately upgrades a defensive tackles group headed by Shelby Harris and Maliek Collins. Graham should immediately factor in for starting snaps, giving Cleveland much more quality depth across a defensive line led by annual Defensive Player of the Year candidate Myles Garrett.
The last time the Browns traded out of a first-round pick that became a wide receiver and selected a defensive tackle instead was in 2011, when they traded out of a No. 6 overall pick that became Julio Jones and selected Phil Taylor at No. 21 overall. They’ll hope that this year’s trade yields much more positive results, and Graham sets them up well for this possibility.
Ely Allen contributed to this post.
Jaguars Actively Seeking Trade-Up; Browns Aiming To Keep Round 2 Pick
The Jaguars bailed on their GM plan late in their HC search process, and their solution (ex-Rams exec James Gladstone) is captivating interest ahead of his first draft at the controls. Jags trade-up rumors persist.
Mentioned earlier as a team exploring a trade-up, the Jags are now “actively trying” to move up from No. 5, The Athletic’s Jeff Howe notes. This came shortly after colleague Dianna Russini indicated teams in the top 10 expected Jacksonville to make a splash early.
Potentially trying to move as high as No. 2 overall, the Jaguars look to have Travis Hunter in their sights. It would not take a climb to 2 to acquire rumored target Ashton Jeanty, who has drawn Bears trade-up interest. The Browns are still believed to be dangling their No. 2 pick, but it would certainly take a haul to move them out of range for the two-way phenom.
Although a rumor circulated about the Browns attempting to trade back into the first round for a quarterback, ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler adds they would prefer to hang onto their No. 33 overall pick due to the leverage of holding the top Day 2 choice. Multiple teams have shown interest in coming up, per Fowler. It is not known if a true bidding war is upon us just yet, but the Jags have certainly made it known they are serious about acquiring the Browns’ top pick.
The Jags are coming off a wildly disappointing season, one that came after the franchise authorized the three most lucrative contracts (for Trevor Lawrence, Josh Hines-Allen and Tyson Campbell) in its history. They fired Trent Baalke late into their HC search process, and that move preceded Liam Coen reconsidering his stance about signing on as the team’s HC. As a result, Coen leads the Jags; Gladstone, however, certainly has significant input as the new GM.
Hunter would quality as perhaps the splashiest draft move in team history, considering his two-way skills and high-end potential at wideout or cornerback. He would provide an elite complement to Campbell and/or Brian Thomas Jr. The Jags kept their cards close to the vest by not conducting any “30” visits this year, a sharp deviation from normal pre-draft protocol. During draft week, the Jeanty and Hunter buzz has leaked out. And we are moving close to time for the Browns to make a decision. Though, two hours remain for Cleveland to hear offers.
Browns, Texans Complete Pre-Draft Trade
While we are still two hours away from a pick becoming official, the Browns and Texans are making a change to their draft hauls. The AFC teams have agreed on a swap involving Day 3 picks.
Cleveland will pick up a fifth-rounder in this draft and a fifth in 2027 in exchange for three later-round choices this year, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport tweets. Here are the full terms of the swap:
Browns receive:
- 2025 fifth-round pick (No. 166)
- 2027 fifth-rounder
Texans receive:
- 2025 sixth-round pick (No. 179)
- No. 216
- No. 255
This trade does not check in on the level of Houston’s pre-draft exchange with Minnesota last year, as that involved a first-round pick going to the Vikings. But the Browns are still capitalizing on their 10-pick arsenal to move up on Day 3. Cleveland’s 2025 selection count will drop from 10 to eight via this trade, and while sixth- and seventh-round picks may not move the needle much, teams are high on this draft’s depth.
The No. 166 choice came from the Bills in last year’s Stefon Diggs trade, while each of the picks the Browns are sending the Texans’ way are their own selections. Houston will see its 2025 selection count jump from seven to nine, providing more opportunities for late-round fliers (or more trades). The Texans now have five picks between Rounds 6 and 7 this year.
Cleveland has been tied to using the No. 2 overall pick as a way to stockpile more draft ammo, with the storyline persisting over the past two days. It still looks more likely than not the Browns end up with Travis Hunter at 2, but the team subtracted some late-round capital for two 5s. GM Andrew Berry has also been connected to using the No. 34 overall pick as a vehicle to trade back into Round 1, giving the Browns a chance to draft Hunter and circle back to a quarterback hours later. A fifth-rounder this year would be an asset to use in that event. It will now be worth monitoring if higher-profile moves are on tap.
Browns Still Fielding Calls For No. 2; Jaguars Interested In Trading Up
3:33pm: Andrew Berry has listened to offers, and Russini adds that many around the league believe the sixth-year Browns GM would be willing to slide down a few spots. This would line up with the Jaguars’ No. 5 draft slot, and it will be interesting to learn what kind of offer the AFC South team has made. Again, it will likely take a significant trade package to move the Browns off Hunter, but this storyline is not dying down as the draft nears.
1:23pm: Many moving parts exist for the Browns in this draft. They are not believed to view the available quarterbacks — assuming the Titans start the draft with Cam Ward, as they are expected to — as worth the No. 2 overall pick, which has prompted looks into coming back into Round 1 to address that spot. But other options may still be in play.
Cleveland is still having conversations about sliding down from No. 2 overall, with Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz classifying these as genuine rather than mere check-ins from teams. As the draft nears, we are moving past the check-in stage. The Browns are still listening for a trade that would stand to move them out of the Travis Hunter/Abdul Carter draft sector.
Hunter is viewed as the clubhouse leader to go second overall, even though Carter-to-Cleveland rumblings have emerged at multiple points this spring, and the Browns are still more likely than not to draft the Heisman winner at No. 2. A Wednesday report indicated the Browns would be “foolish” to not listen to offers, however, as the team is in need at the game’s premier position. The Browns adding significant ammo by dealing No. 2 could arm them for a QB trade-up this year or next; a year out, the 2026 passer class is believed to be stronger, though moving parts exist there as well.
The Browns have also still been tied to Kirk Cousins, a former Kevin Stefanski pupil who will not waive his no-trade clause before the draft, and he could conceivably be added as a stopgap. Though, Joe Flacco already coming in for that role would stand to diminish Cleveland’s interest in a Cousins-Stefanski reunion. If the Browns exit this draft with a plan to regroup in 2026 at QB, however, Cousins would stand to be back on the table — if the Falcons can convince the AFC North club to pay some of the aging arm’s 2025 salary.
As for who could come up for this pick, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reports the Jaguars have expressed interest in moving up. They join the Raiders in that regard. Hunter is believed to be the player teams are aiming for with these trade-up inquiries, and Russini confirms an offensive player is on Jacksonville’s radar.
The Jags have now been closely tied to Ashton Jeanty at No. 5. They are unlikely to need a trade-up move to acquire the Boise State dynamo, but they certainly will to add Hunter. The Browns prefer Hunter at receiver, while the Titans and Giants have identified him as a corner first. The Jags’ stance is unclear — perhaps by design, as the team clouded its draft board by not conducting any “30” visits this year.
During a Rich Eisen Show appearance, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport did not view the No. 2 pick as off-limits, either. Interest still exists in the pick, and the Jags should be considered on the radar. Though, the Browns likely would charge a premium to pass on Hunter. Jags-Tetairoa McMillan connections have surfaced; Hunter would provide a flashier upgrade at receiver. While Hunter still appears Cleveland-bound, a blockbuster that makes him the centerpiece of a new Jacksonville regime’s offseason is not out of the question entirely.
Browns Shopping CB Greg Newsome, DE Ogbo Okoronkwo?
Greg Newsome is going into a fifth-year option season. While the Browns fully guaranteed the 2021 first-round pick’s 2025 salary ($13.38MM), they had not begun extension talks this offseason. That could be telling.
Hours before the first round, the Browns are believed to be shopping Newsome and edge rusher Ogbo Okoronkwo, according to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz. Newsome saw his snap rate decline last season, after near-full-time usage from 2021-23, as Martin Emerson‘s role contributed to that. Okoronkwo is also going into a contract year.
[RELATED: Browns Eyeing Move Back Into Round 1 For QB]
Emerson has operated as Denzel Ward‘s perimeter complementary performer during his career, relegating Newsome to a slot role in sub-packages. Last season, that meant only three starts for Newsome, who described some frustration with his role during the winter. Ahead of his age-25 season, the Browns will see what they can land for the former No. 26 overall pick. Likely Browns draftee Travis Hunter would be expected to dabble at corner, giving the team a unique luxury, but GM Andrew Berry has consistently said the organization prefers him at WR.
These trade talks are not exactly out of the blue, as Newsome came up in trade conversations before last year’s deadline. As the Browns tumbled to a 1-6 start, they did unload Za’Darius Smith and Amari Cooper. But they stood pat in the secondary, keeping Ward, Newsome and Emerson. With Emerson becoming extension-eligible, Cleveland may be fine landing a cheaper corner to complement Ward and Emerson. On that note, the Browns may not be able to land a strong return due to Newsome’s fully guaranteed salary.
Cutting costs makes sense for a Browns team that still has Deshaun Watson‘s megadeal on its books, even though the quarterback has likely thrown his last pass with the team. An insurance measure could allow the team to save some money if/when Watson is released in 2026, but that is not certain. Trims elsewhere make sense in the meantime. Cleveland already carries 10 picks entering the draft, but it looks to be eyeing more.
Okoronkwo, 30 today, has worked mostly as a rotational rusher in Cleveland. Combining for 7.5 sacks in two seasons, the ex-Rams rusher has made five starts (all last season). Attached to a three-year deal worth $19MM, Okoronkwo teamed with Smith as Myles Garrett wingmen; he made his five starts after Smith’s move to Detroit. Trading Okoronkwo now would not bring any cap relief; the move would cost just more than $6MM in dead money. The Browns, however, appear to deem that worth a minor return.
Titans Rejected Giants’ Offer For No. 1 Overall; Cleveland, New York Discussing Trades Back Into Round 1
The Giants held the No. 1 overall pick going into Week 17, but a Drew Lock-led upset win over the Colts dropped them out of that slot and vaulted the Titans to pole position. Week 18 did not change Tennessee’s draft position, and the team now appears a day away from adding Cam Ward as its next franchise centerpiece.
Around the Combine, we heard the Giants as a team interested in acquiring the No. 1 pick. Even as Ward-Titans links emerged, the Giants took their shot. They called the Titans multiple times with trade offers for No. 1, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini. New GM Mike Borgonzi confirmed Tuesday the Titans are staying at 1, with a Ward pick imminent.
Multiple offers emerged, per Russini, who describes the Giants as being the most aggressive team with regards to acquiring the pick. Although the Giants’ offer included at least their 2025 third-rounder (per ESPN’s Adam Schefter), the full trade package is unknown, but this push — presumably for Ward — reminds of their Drake Maye pursuit last year.
New York made a strong offer for New England’s No. 3 overall pick. The deal would have given the Patriots the Giants’ first- and second-round picks last year and first-rounder this year; instead, the Patriots took Maye. The Giants then passing on J.J. McCarthy, Michael Penix and Bo Nix thrust them into their current predicament, holding a top pick without a quarterback deemed worthy of it.
Strongly linked to passing on a QB at No. 3 to take one of this draft’s top two talents — either Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter — the Giants look to be readying to trade back into Round 1 for a passer. They are in talks with teams with picks near the bottom of the first round, Russini adds. They join the Browns in that effort. Cleveland, New York and New Orleans appear in this boat, as the Saints have also been tied to tabling their QB need beyond their No. 9 overall pick.
Both the Browns and Giants added two veteran QBs apiece, which at least would send a capable starter for both teams into Week 1. But Joe Flacco and Russell Wilson are not enviable options for 2026; they are bottom-half options for 2025. Yet, each team has access to this draft’s best players. It is looking like the Browns and Giants’ trade-up efforts will need to be monitored after Hunter and Carter go off the board. The Giants may be split on Sanders, but more Jaxson Dart–Brian Daboll buzz is circulating. Chatter continues that Daboll likes the Ole Miss QB more than Sanders or any other non-Ward option, ESPN.com’s Dan Graziano notes.
Although the Browns have still been linked to Carter in recent days, Hunter looks more likely to be Cleveland-bound. When asked about his potential draft destination, Carter’s reply (via SNY) pointed to a New York landing. The Giants traded for Brian Burns last year and used a top-five pick on Kayvon Thibodeaux in 2022. The latter has not quite justified that investment, though he has not been a bust like 2022 No. 7 overall pick Evan Neal. Carter, however, could displace Thibodeaux in New York’s lineup. Then again, the team has a past (under John Mara) of adding on the edge (Mathias Kiwanuka, Jason Pierre-Paul) when it already possessed a strong group.
The Steelers‘ No. 21 overall pick has come up with regards to a trade-up spot, per Graziano. That information comes after an early-week report indicated Pittsburgh is interested in trading down. This would seemingly add the Steelers to the list of QB-needy teams who do not believe Shedeur Sanders or one of the other second-tier options is worthy of the pick. Mike Tomlin being a Sanders fan would stand to negate a trade-down move, but the Steelers were not originally planning to use No. 21 on a QB. A Sanders fall could change that, and that will be a Day 1 draft subplot to monitor.
Teams are also potentially leery of the Rams at No. 26, Graziano adds, with trade-up discussions appearing to factor Matthew Stafford‘s age into this equation. The Giants pursued Stafford aggressively in February, but the Super Bowl-winning QB regrouped and stayed with the Rams. It would seem unlikely the Rams would use their top draft asset on a QB in a maligned class, but the team is running short on time to add a Stafford heir apparent.
Browns, Steelers, Vikings Linked To Kirk Cousins; Saints In Mix For Falcons QB?
Although Shedeur Sanders probably enters the draft with the most compelling storyline, a player who came off the board on Day 3 13 years ago is pushing for a front-row spot. The Kirk Cousins situation remains foggy, even after the demoted Falcons quarterback reported on time for his team’s offseason program.
Cousins is still eyeing a way out of Atlanta, and teams continue to come up as interested parties. Even after their Joe Flacco addition — one that came after Cousins consideration — the Browns are being mentioned as a candidate to add Cousins. So are the Steelers and Vikings, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini. How teams proceed in the draft will obviously play a central role in Cousins’ willingness to sign off on a trade, as he is not planning to waive his no-trade clause before the draft — in an effort to avoid a redux of his 2024 storyline.
Of the above-referenced trio, Russini points to the Vikings being the least likely to add Cousins — in what would be a quick reunion — due to J.J. McCarthy‘s presence. With McCarthy’s path to the Minnesota starting job clear enough the team has brushed off Aaron Rodgers, it would be understandable if Cousins — his production under Kevin O’Connell notwithstanding — would be leery of landing there again. Cousins would be against a trade that sends him to a team with a starter-level young passer, Russini adds. Considering the teams in this mix, that might be a difficult play.
Employing ex-Cousins Vikings OC Kevin Stefanski, the Browns are candidates to circle back to address their QB situation after making their first-round pick (likely Travis Hunter). The Giants, Saints, Rams and Dolphins join the Steelers in being linked to early-round QB investments. Cleveland already signing Flacco and adding Kenny Pickett via trade would stand to block a Cousins path — if a rookie is tabbed, at least. If the Browns somehow leave this draft without a QB, they could be in play to reunite Cousins and Stefanski, where a Flacco competition would stand to be on tap.
As odd as it would be to see the Falcons send their high-priced backup to their top rival, the Saints should also be considered on the Cousins radar, Sportskeeda.com’s Tony Pauline writes. Falcons GM Terry Fontenot came from the Saints, and Pauline adds the Falcons would consider dealing Cousins to any team willing to pay a sizable chunk of the QB’s 2025 money. Cousins’ 2025 base salary ($27.5MM) is guaranteed, giving the Falcons no incentive to move on without someone taking on part of the salary. We heard earlier this offseason that Atlanta wanted an acquiring team to pay at least $20MM of Cousins’ tab. That has seemed highly unlikely to occur.
Donovan McNabb and Drew Bledsoe were traded within their divisions this century, creating a precedent for Fontenot and Co. The Saints, however, want to leave this draft with a quarterback. Mickey Loomis evaded Derek Carr questions at his pre-draft presser today, further muddying this situation, one that has the veteran starter in danger of missing some (or all) of the 2025 season due to a shoulder injury. New Orleans has done extensive work on prospects but is viewed as less likely to spend its No. 9 overall pick on the position. This would send them into a battle royal of sorts with the lot of teams eyeing this draft’s second wave of passers.
The Steelers could be the spot teams eyeing a trade-up maneuver to target, though they are not certain to use their first-rounder (No. 21) on a QB, either. Mike Tomlin has said Mason Rudolph would be an acceptable starter, but Pittsburgh — recent doubts aside — is still pursuing Rodgers. It had been expected around the league, per Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz, the Steelers would have an answer from the future Hall of Famer by the draft. With that not happening, the Steelers need to cover their bases. On that note, they have also done work on potential Day 3 options in Syracuse’s Kyle McCord and his Ohio State successor (Will Howard), per ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler.
More notably, Fowler adds the Steelers want to take a QB swing in one of the next two drafts. That could create the illusion of flexibility, though if Rodgers does not show in Pittsburgh, Rudolph would move to the front of the line if the Steelers do not make a first- or second-day addition. Cousins, then, would become insurance against Rodgers balking at a longstanding Pittsburgh offer. Would the Steelers make a preemptive play for the Falcons backup if they lose patience with Rodgers?
Offering a final wrinkle here, Schultz adds Arthur Blank could also opt to keep Cousins (after presumably not seeing other teams agree to take on much salary). Several sources inform Schultz that Cousins could be effectively held hostage (a well-paid hostage, but still) as Michael Penix Jr.‘s backup. Considering Penix’s injury past, the Falcons considering Fontenot’s previous decree to retain Cousins as QB2 has some merit.
This would drain a year from Cousins’ career, his age-37 season, while giving the Falcons insurance ahead of a smoother 2026 release. It would stand to reason we still have plenty of Cousins updates to come between now and this potential reality.
Browns, Giants, Patriots Receiving Calls About 2nd, 3rd Picks; Titans Staying Put
APRIL 23: Teams interested in the Nos. 2, 3 and 4 picks, with the Patriots also receiving calls, are interested in Hunter, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini notes. While the Browns view it as “foolish” not to listen to offers for their No. 3 choice, ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler adds that the expectation remains Cleveland will go with the Colorado superstar.
Hunter-to-Cleveland buzz picked up around the Heisman winner’s pro day earlier this month, with Fowler indicating the two-way phenom opted to run routes at the showcase event in part because it would satisfy the Browns. Cleveland views Hunter primarily as a receiver, and while he still wants to play both ways, other teams — the Giants and Titans among them — have pegged Hunter as a cornerback first. Deciding to run routes with an aim to impress Browns brass, after Carter-to-Cleveland rumors had circulated, certainly represents a sign Hunter will be Ohio-bound Thursday.
APRIL 22: The Browns and Giants are both receiving trade interest for the Nos. 2 and 3 selections in Thursday’s draft, according to ESPN’s Peter Schrager.
The months-long pre-draft process has yielded a consensus expectation that Cam Ward, Travis Hunter, and Abdul Carter will be the first three picks, likely in that order. Ward is a virtual lock to be taken by the Titans with the first pick, and Hunter has gained steam as a potential Brown over the last few weeks. That would clear the way for Carter – considered by many to be the best player in the class – falling to the Giants at 3.
However, a last-minute trade involving a top-three pick would be a major last-minute shake-up to the top 10, and potentially beyond.
Such a trade would not involve the Titans, who have listened to offers over the last few months but never seriously entertained moving the draft’s top pick. General manager Mike Borgonzi confirmed that the team rebuffed trade interest and decided on their preferred target.
“We’ve come to a consensus, the entire organization, to stay at that pick,” said Borgonzi (via Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer).
That has pushed teams who want to move up to inquire with the Browns and the Giants about the availability of their picks. Targeted players in a trade-up would be Hunter, Carter, and Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, per Schrager.
It’s also worth noting that trade chatter picks up the week of the draft almost every year, as noted by The Exhibit’s Josina Anderson. 49ers general manager John Lynch is not expecting many trades early in the draft because multiple teams want to trade down and target a deep class, per The Athletic’s Matt Barrows.
Giants general manager Joe Schoen said last week that he had received calls about the No. 3 selection, but indicated that the team would stick and pick instead. But, after spending plenty of draft capital to acquire starting edge rushers Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, the Giants could still prefer to trade down instead of taking Carter. That would allow them to get a top quarterback prospect – potentially Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, per Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post – at a better value while adding more picks, either in this year’s draft or the future.
Browns Sign CB Nik Needham
Nik Needham will not need to wait until after the draft to find his next deal. The veteran cornerback signed with the Browns on Monday, per a team announcement. 
Needham saw his role and playing time fluctuate over the course of his time in Miami. The former UDFA handled a snap share of 89% in 2019 and 78% in 2022. In between, he served as a key (but less involved) figure in the Dolphins’ secondary. The past two seasons played out much differently, however.
After playing on an RFA tender in 2022, Needham saw sparse usage on defense and special teams the following year. The 28-year-old remained in Miami for last season, but he was among the Dolphins’ final roster cuts. Needham was quickly retained on the practice squad and he made a pair of appearances in 2024. His departure will not make as much of an impact as it would have earlier in his career, but losing Needham nevertheless represents another member of the secondary which is no longer in place for Miami (like Kendall Fuller,who was released) or who could soon be on the move (in the case of trade candidate Jalen Ramsey).
Needham has seen time at outside corner, in the slot and (on occasion) as a box safety. He could therefore compete for a number of roles in a backup capacity upon arrival with the Browns. Cleveland still has Denzel Ward, Martin Emerson and Greg Newsome under contract at corner, with the same being true of safety Grant Delpit. Rodney McLeod played a key role last season, but he is expected to retire and has therefore not been re-signed. Safety represents a need ahead of the draft, and the signing of Needham – whose 2022 campaign was ended by an Achilles tear – will not affect the team’s plans at that spot.
The Browns entered Monday with just over $19MM in cap space. Much of that figure will need to be devoted to signing the team’s incoming rookie class, but Needham will give Cleveland a low-cost option in the secondary regardless of how the draft shakes out.