Greg Newsome’s name continues to be mentioned in trade speculations, but the Cleveland Browns do not appear to be interested in trading the former first-round choice.
Andrew Berry, the Browns’ general manager, had opposed the idea of trading Newsome. Berry, who picked Newsome, said in March that he expects the fourth-year cornerback to play a “big role” for the Browns.
On Thursday, April 18, Berry was asked again about Newsome’s future in Cleveland, and he had no news.
“Nothing new on that,” Berry replied.
Berry added, “I want as many nice corners as possible. Going back to my argument about the league playing in 11 personnel, your base offense and defense are now more like three receivers in three corners. So that is exactly how we think about it. Even though we are technically a 4-3 defense.
“We have three guys who can play press man coverage quite well. That’s not a skill set I want to give away.”
Greg Newsome Not Worried About Trade Rumors
Newsome has recognized the reports, but he also believes that his performance has earned him respect on the field and in the locker room.
“I don’t pay attention, but obviously my family and stuff tell and ask me,” Newsome stated on Tuesday, April 16. “What goes through my thoughts is meaningless. I feel at ease here. [Andrew Berry] and the ownership, as well as all of my coaches, understand what I’m capable of and what I provide to this club, not just on the field, but also as one of those glue people – a guy who is always energetic and happy no matter what. They seem to understand how valuable I am. So I wasn’t concerned about that.”
Last season, Newsome recorded career highs in tackles (49), tackles for loss (4), pass breakups (14) and interceptions (2). However, when Denzel Ward and Martin Emerson Jr. are healthy, he is mostly used as a slot cornerback.
Browns cornerback Denzel Ward Petitioning to Keep Greg Newsome
Ward is one of many who opposes Newsome’s relocation. The three-time Pro Bowler feels the Browns have the league’s greatest cornerback unit. He doesn’t want to see that break apart.
“It’s very important [to keep us together],” Ward said on Tuesday, April 16. “I’ve been openly sharing that I want to keep us together. Even AB says all the time that you can’t have enough great corners on a team. That’s real. Guys go down and having the baility to match up with teams across the board. Whether that’s in the slot with Greg or outside with me and Martin. Being able to rotate and do different things. Having multiple No. 1 corners on a team is an ideal situation.”
The Browns’ defense was the top-ranked in the league last season, giving up 270.2 yards per game. Cleveland will return almost all of the pieces from that unit and are eager to improve after a rough 45-14 loss in the Wild Card round.
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