Final week, the Browns exercised the $13.3M fifth-year choice on cornerback Greg Newsome II, their first-round decide (No. 26) within the 2021 NFL Draft.
It ensures the 23-year-old not less than another season in Cleveland, however he hopes to get some long-term safety with the crew sooner quite than later.
“Extension-wise, we’ve not actually talked about that,” Newsome stated, through Scott Petrak of BrownsZone.com. “Actually, I am simply centered on making an attempt to get us as excessive as we will this 12 months and no matter occurs after that occurs. However like I stated earlier than, I’d like to be a Cleveland Brown for all times.”
Earlier than the Browns picked up Newsome’s choice, he was topic to commerce rumors within the offseason, and rightfully so, because it’s uncommon a proficient cornerback may doubtlessly come obtainable.
Over the previous three seasons, Newsome has registered 128 tackles, one sack, two interceptions and 29 passes defensed.
Cleveland clearly values Newsome, however the query is, does the crew view him as a key piece of its protection for years to come back?
In that case, the Browns ought to do their greatest to lock him up long run as quickly as doable. If not, nevertheless, Newsome’s days in Cleveland may very well be numbered.
The crew already handed fellow cornerback Denzel Ward a five-year, $100.5M contract extension in 2022, and with a number of different proficient gamers to quickly pay, Newsome may very well be the odd man out.
For now, Newsome appears to have a superb angle in regards to the lack of extension talks, saying he is “tremendous blessed” the Browns picked up his fifth-year choice, however there isn’t any arguing he needs to stay in Cleveland for for much longer.
It is uncommon that groups pay two cornerbacks prime greenback, but when Newsome continues enjoying at a excessive stage in 2024, it could pressure the Browns to offer him the payday he is searching for.
