Cleveland Browns Face Decision on Greg Newsome II’s Future
The Cleveland Browns are not only focused on adding talent this offseason but also on retaining their quality players. One player in question is cornerback Greg Newsome II, a former first-round pick. Newsome is entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2024, worth $13 million. However, the Browns have the option to exercise his fifth-year option, which would keep Newsome with the team until 2025.
According to Over The Cap, exercising Newsome’s fifth-year option would cost the Browns $12.17 million for the 2025 season alone. While this may not be a significant amount in terms of NFL salaries, it poses a challenge for Cleveland considering their salary cap situation in the coming years.
Despite the financial implications, Jacob Roach of USA Today’s Browns Wire predicts that the team will ultimately exercise Newsome’s option. Roach acknowledges that Newsome may not be worth paying more than $10 million per year, but emphasizes the importance of having depth at the cornerback position. He believes that Newsome is still a good player, even if he hasn’t reached his full potential yet.
The Browns have until May 2 to make a decision on Newsome’s option. In the meantime, Newsome had an impressive year in 2023, achieving career-highs in various statistical categories such as tackles, pass breakups, tackles for loss, interceptions, and defensive touchdowns. He also performed well in coverage, allowing a completion percentage of 56.7% and a rating of 74.8 to opposing quarterbacks.
Although Newsome was rated as the 56th best cornerback by Pro Football Focus, his rush defense was identified as his weakness. Despite this, Newsome played in 14 out of 17 regular-season games for the Browns in 2023, starting in 13 of them. The Browns’ defense finished the season ranked first in total yardage surrendered.
The decision on Newsome’s future will be crucial for the Browns as they navigate their salary cap and strive to maintain a strong roster for the upcoming seasons.
Cleveland Browns in Salary Cap Trouble: Deshaun Watson’s Massive Contract Strains Team
In a shocking turn of events, the Cleveland Browns find themselves in a dire financial situation due to their salary cap space. With a whopping $20.6 million deficit on their 2024 cap sheet, the team is facing an uphill battle. Despite rolling over approximately $30 million from 2023, the Browns are still struggling to make ends meet.
The main culprit behind this financial crisis is none other than star quarterback Deshaun Watson. His massive contract will see his cap hit skyrocket to a staggering $64 million this season and remain at that level until his contract expires in 2026. Additionally, the Browns are determined to retain wide receiver Amari Cooper, who is set to consume another $24 million in cap space next season.
To alleviate some of the financial strain, the Browns have the option to rework Watson’s deal and defer some of the money into the future as a dead cap hit. However, General Manager Andrew Berry has expressed reservations about this approach. In an interview with Zack Jackson of The Athletic, Berry stated that he is not yet convinced that lowering Watson’s cap hit is necessary. He emphasized the importance of carefully crafting a plan before making any decisions.
Unfortunately, the consequences of this financial predicament may affect other key players on the team. Cornerback Greg Newsome and running back Nick Chubb, both valuable assets to the Browns, may be forced to accept reduced salaries in the future or face the possibility of being cut or traded.
The Cleveland Browns now find themselves at a crossroads. With their salary cap space in shambles, tough decisions lie ahead for the organization. Will they be able to navigate this treacherous financial landscape and keep their roster intact? Only time will tell. Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding saga.
Max Dible, Tabloid Reporter