Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome is entering a pivotal season that could determine whether he remains with the franchise long term.
Newsome, the No. 26 overall pick in the 2021 draft, has been a steady — yet inconsistent — presence in the Browns’ secondary, starting 42 games over his first four seasons. He’s totaled three interceptions and 34 passes defensed, contributing as both an outside and slot corner. Still, his future in Cleveland is uncertain as he heads into the final year of his rookie contract.
Trade rumors have swirled around Newsome for the past few seasons, but the former first-round pick has made it clear he wants to stay.
“I’ve said it since the day I was drafted, I want to be a Brown for life,” Newsome said on Wednesday. “In order to do that, I’ve got to hold my end of the bargain. I’ve got to go back to being that player that I know I can be. The good thing is, I’m starting this training camp healthy, so I’m able to get out there and get the reps in before the season starts. That’s my main goal, it’s always been my goal to be a Brown for life, so I’ve got to hold up my end of the bargain.”
Martin Emerson Injury Creates Prime Opportunity for Browns CB Greg Newsome
Newsome is expected to take on a larger role in the Browns’ defense following Martin Emerson Jr.’s season-ending Achilles injury suffered this week during training camp. Newsome had been hoping for an opportunity to return to playing more on the outside, a role he largely ceded after Emerson’s emergence pushed him primarily into the nickel spot.
However, Newsome feels for his “brother” Emerson despite their competition for reps.
“Yeah, football obviously is football,” Newsome said on Wednesday. “He’s a huge piece of our defense, but just as being a brother to me it’s bigger than the game of football. A guy that I’ve seen since the offseason started, been putting in a lot of work, been one of the last guys to leave the building every single day.
“A guy that just brings passion, energy, I’m going to definitely miss him out there as a brother. I’m going to miss him every single snap. I definitely feel for him, but I know he’ll get through this and he’ll be back to his form.”
Browns CB Greg Newsome Tuning Out Trade Chatter
Newsome remains confident he’ll stay with the Browns despite persistent trade chatter. He’s managed to block out the noise by staying off social media and focusing on what he can control.
“I wasn’t on social media the entire offseason, so I didn’t see none of that,” he said. “But every conversation I have with AB (general manager Andrew Berry) and ownership is that we love Greg and we’re not trading him. So I don’t believe it.”
So far, Newsome’s play in camp has drawn positive reviews from the brass in Cleveland.
“He looks really healthy, making plays,” coach Kevin Stefanski said of Newsome. “Good to have him out there because he’s another vocal guy, a guy that brings juice to the defense.”
Newsome and the Browns open their preseason slate against the Carolina Panthers on August 8.
