Greg Newsome II has been a victim of trade talks this offseason, but the Cleveland Browns have no plans of trading him. General Manager Andrew Berry told reporters they don’t plan on trading him.
“Your base offense and defense is really more three receivers and three corners in this day and age,” Berry said during his pre-draft press conference. “So corners are a premium position. We have three guys who can play press-man coverage at a very, very high level. That’s not a skill set that I’m looking to give away.”
Newsome has a 5th-year option worth $13.377 million, fully guaranteed due May 2. The Browns have made their decision.
The Cleveland Browns have made their decision
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Browns have exercised the 5th year option of Greg Newsome II. Newsome will make $13.377 million fully guaranteed for the 2025 season.
He played well last season.
Greg Newsome II thrived in the slot last season
Newsome was upset when the Browns moved him into the slot in 2022 because he felt that he was more of a linebacker than a cornerback.
“I feel like I was more of a linebacker (last year) in certain instances than an actual cornerback,” Newsome said. “Talking to (new defensive coordinator) Jim Schwartz and being able to get in his new scheme and things like that, I feel like we’ll work very well together.”
The Browns fixed that when they hired Jim Schwartz as their new defensive coordinator. Newsome adapted to Schwartz’s scheme and thrived in the slot. He had 49 tackles, two interceptions, one pick-six, 14 pass deflections, and allowed 38 receptions on 67 targets for 450 yards, two touchdowns, and a 74.8 passer rating.
Newsome felt comfortable in Schwartz’s scheme.
“I think Coach (Jim) Schwartz did an unbelievable job and just put me in positions to succeed, just getting around the football a lot more this season,” Newsome said on Sunday, locker clean-out day. “Opportunities to play outside, opportunities to play inside, opportunities to blitz, to get in the run fit.”
The Browns have two more starting cornerbacks under contract through 2025.
Cornerback 1: Denzel Ward
Denzel Ward signed a 5-year, $100.5 million contract extension in 2022 and will be under contract through 2027. Ward is one of the best cornerbacks in the league with 273 tackles, 15 interceptions, two pick-sixes, 76 pass deflections, and three Pro Bowls in 79 games.
Cornerback 2: Martin Emerson Jr.
The Browns drafted Martin Emerson Jr. in the 3rd round, 68th overall of the 2022 NFL Draft. Emerson is under contract through 2025. He has been an important part of their defense. He has 122 tackles, four interceptions, and 29 pass deflections in 33 games.
The top three cornerbacks of the Cleveland Browns are under contract for at least the next two seasons
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