The Cleveland Browns had one of the best pass defenses in the league, ranking 1st in receptions, 1st in yards, 21st in touchdowns, 7th in interceptions, and 1st in passing first downs in 2023.
Two of Cleveland’s top cornerbacks are under contract through 2025. Unless something drastic happens, Denzel Ward will be a free agent in 2028, and Martin Emerson Jr. will be a free agent in 2026. However, the future is unknown for their other starting cornerback.
The Browns must decide on his contract for the 2025 season next month.
The Cleveland Browns must decide on the 5th-year option of their 26th pick from 2021
Cleveland has until May 2 to decide whether to exercise or decline Greg Newsome II’s 5th-year option, worth $13.377 million fully guaranteed.
Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com thinks that the Browns have made their decision.
The Cleveland Browns appear to have made their decision
According to Mary Kay Cabot, Cleveland will likely exercise his 5th-year option.
“For starters, the Browns were happy with Newsome’s performance last season in his first year in Jim Schwartz’s defense. He embraced the slot role more than the year before and elevated his game. GM Andrew Berry also doesn’t give up on his draft picks easily, and will certainly allow Newsome to continue to develop. He’s a tremendous bargain in 2024 at a base salary of $2.398 million, and even his fifth-year option tender of $13.377 million for 2025 is not exorbitant for a good starting cornerback.
“The Browns are expected to pick that up by the May 2 deadline.”
Greg Newsome II has had an up-and-down start to his career
Newsome has had an up-and-down start to his career with Cleveland, battling two concussions in his first two seasons, causing him to miss five games, and has missed a total of ten games in his first three seasons.
Newsome played in 12 games, starting 11 in his rookie season, with 37 tackles, nine pass deflections, and a 68.1 PFF Grade. He allowed 39 receptions on 62 targets for 383 yards, one touchdown, and an 85.6 passer rating.
Newsome played in 15 games, starting 15 in his second season, with 42 tackles, six pass deflections, and a 69.1 PFF Grade. He allowed 40 receptions on 69 targets for 406 yards, two touchdowns, and an 84.6 passer rating.
Newsome played in 14 games, starting 13 in his third season, with 49 tackles, two interceptions, one pick-six, 14 pass deflections, and a 69.6 PFF Grade. He allowed 38 receptions on 67 targets for 450 yards, two touchdowns, and a 74.8 passer rating.
Why exercising his 5th-year option would make sense
Exercising his 5th-year option would make sense because he has a role as their slot cornerback on the defense. He would have two years left of his deal. Finally, the Browns won’t feel pressured to get a deal done if he plays well in 2024.
Why exercising his 5th-year option doesn’t make sense
Exercising his 5th-year option doesn’t make sense because he would surpass Kenny Moore II and Taron Johnson as the highest-paid slot cornerback in 2025. Cleveland can still trade him. Finally, the Browns cannot afford to pay everyone.
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