Browns make a tough decision on CB Greg Newsome II’s future with Cleveland

The Cleveland Browns have made a costly decision on the future of Greg Newsome II with the team.

Cleveland has decided to pick up the fifth-year option of Newsome, which will pay him $13.37 million in 2025. All of that money is guaranteed now and there is no way for the Browns to maneuver it unless he is traded.

Newsome has spent the majority of his time in the slot the past couple of years and he is not elite there. Cleveland is going to be paying a hefty price for a slot corner that slides outside when he needs to.

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After being a late first-round pick back in 2021, Newsome started 11 games as a boundary corner opposite Denzel Ward. Cleveland hit on CB Martin Emerson Jr. the following draft in the third round and his length made more sense on the outside, so Newsome was pushed to the slot.

The 2022 season was a bit shaky for Newsome despite starting 15 games. Playing in the slot under then-defensive coordinator Joe Woods was not working for Newsome and his future became cloudy. All hope was restored in 2023 under Jim Schwartz and Newsome had his first two interceptions, including one for a touchdown.

Newsome is good for a couple of games missed each season, which has been the case since he was drafted. But the Browns believe in investing heavily in the cornerback position and they want to keep three above-average ones on the field.

Cleveland has the ability to move Newsome outside when needed to rotate or due to injury to either Emerson or Ward and that makes him more valuable to them. His upbeat attitude and celebrating ways are contagious for the defense.

While it is a bit costly, especially for a player who plays mainly in the slot now, the Browns want to keep Newsome around and a part of the team. This move makes that happen through 2025.

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