Before the draft, Greg Newsome addresses rumors of a Browns trade.
Despite trade speculations about the former first-round pick this offseason, Newsome is unconcerned about his position on the squad.
Many were taken aback by the Cleveland Browns’ 11-game winning streak and playoff berth in the previous season, even after they suffered injuries to standout running back Nick Chubb and starting quarterback Deshaun Watson.
Kareem Hunt, Jerome Ford, and Joe Flacco did a fantastic job of stepping in for Watson and Chubb. However, the Browns’ 2023 success was largely due to their defense, which was led by their secondary.
Denzel Ward, Martin Emerson, and Greg Newsome II form one of the strongest cornerback units in the NFL, as Cleveland concluded the 2023 season rated #1 in passing yards per game allowed (164.7).
Though he is in the fourth year of his rookie deal and due for an extension following this season, Newsome’s name has been mentioned in trade rumors this summer. Denzel Ward, a teammate of his, apparently shared his opinions and wants the Browns to maintain this group.
Regarding Newsome, the 23-year-old is aware of his value to the team and is unconcerned by the trade rumors.
According to Newsome, “I feel like I’m comfortable here” (via Camryn Justice of WEWS). Being one of those glue players, I feel like AB, the ownership, and all of my coaches are aware of my abilities and the value I provide to the squad.
The 2023 campaign for the former first-round choice was impressive, with 49 combined tackles, 14 pass deflections, four tackles for loss, and two interceptions (one of which resulted in a defensive touchdown).
In addition, Newsome allowed just two receiving touchdowns and had a 74.8 pass rating allowed when targeted in addition to a 56.7 completion percentage allowed on targets.
Having three excellent starting cornerbacks on your roster isn’t ridiculous, especially if you’re in a conference with players like Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, and Joe Burrow.
The Browns’ ability to contend in the AFC North will mostly depend on how well they play defense because it’s difficult to believe that Watson is healthy.
Nevertheless, Cleveland need to try to hang onto Newsome and watch the progress this group of cornerbacks makes over the next years. The Browns have a long shot at winning the AFC North (FanDuel Sportsbook has them at +500).
They might be a sleeper to watch out for, though, if the defense performs as well as it did last season.
