The Dolphins may not be done reshaping their roster, and a new trade prediction has linked them to a potential fix for their most pressing need: the secondary.
Cleveland cornerback Greg Newsome II has emerged as a name to watch in Miami, with AOL’s Jordan O’Malley predicting the former first-round pick could be dealt to the Dolphins before the 2025 season begins.
“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.”
Newsome was selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft and enters 2025 on his fifth-year option, which carries a $13.3 million cap hit, per Spotrac. After making 42 starts in four seasons, he’s coming off an injury-shortened year in which he missed four games and made just three starts.
With Cleveland loaded at cornerback and Newsome not in line for a long-term extension, the timing could be right for a trade. Miami would get a starting-caliber outside corner at a reasonable price, with no major future commitment.
The Dolphins’ secondary has been one of the most criticized position groups this offseason. The decision to trade away Jalen Ramsey to Pittsburgh in exchange for Minkah Fitzpatrick and tight end Jonnu Smith left Miami with questions at cornerback.
Fitzpatrick, a one-time All-Pro, has struggled in recent seasons. He recorded just one interception over the last two years and allowed a 127.6 passer rating in coverage in 2024, according to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox.
NFL.com’s Ed Edholm was among those to question the Dolphins’ offseason direction, writing that the club “sent away the Dolphins’ leading pass catcher from 2024 and one of its most talented defenders,” while pointing out the team’s alarming lack of depth.
Trading for Newsome would give general manager Chris Grier a chance to stabilize that unit. Though not on Ramsey’s level, Newsome has proven experience, positional versatility, and a contract that wouldn’t hamper Miami’s flexibility beyond this season.
For a team facing rising pressure, this type of move could carry more than just roster value. It would send a message that Miami isn’t standing still — and still expects to contend in a competitive AFC.
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