Greg Newsome II Signs $80M Extension With Browns
Greg Newsome II Signs $80M Extension With Browns...
The Cleveland Browns have locked down cornerback Greg Newsome II with a four-year, $80 million contract extension, the team announced Wednesday. The deal includes $50 million guaranteed, making Newsome one of the highest-paid defensive backs in the NFL.
Newsome, 25, was entering the final year of his rookie contract after being drafted 26th overall in 2021. The Northwestern product has developed into a cornerstone of Cleveland’s secondary, recording 25 pass breakups and two interceptions over his first three seasons.
The extension comes as NFL teams aggressively secure young defensive talent before free agency. Newsome’s deal follows recent mega-contracts for cornerbacks like Jaire Alexander and Denzel Ward. Browns GM Andrew Berry called Newsome "an elite cover corner and culture-setter" in a statement.
Fans celebrated the news on social media, with many calling it a smart move to maintain continuity in Cleveland’s top-10 defense. The Browns open their 2026 season September 11 against the Dallas Cowboys, where Newsome will likely shadow star receiver CeeDee Lamb.
Analysts note the timing aligns with Cleveland’s championship window. The Browns went 12-5 last season behind MVP candidate Deshaun Watson and now retain their entire starting secondary. Newsome’s extension also avoids potential distractions ahead of training camp in July.
Spotrac projects the contract will make Newsome the NFL’s sixth-highest-paid cornerback by average annual value. The deal includes a $20 million signing bonus and escalators that could push the total value to $88 million based on Pro Bowl selections.
Teammate Myles Garrett tweeted "Locked in! @gnewsii" shortly after the announcement. Newsome responded: "Cleveland — let’s finish what we started." The Browns have now secured three defensive starters through at least 2028, joining Garrett and linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.
