HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 13: Head coach Kevin Stefanski of the Cleveland Browns looks on prior to the AFC Wild Card Playoffs against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on January 13, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
The Cleveland Browns not only face the task of bolstering their roster with new talent this offseason but also need to address the challenge of retaining their existing quality players.
One such player is Greg Newsome II, a former first-round pick who will enter the final year of his $13 million rookie contract in 2024. The Browns have the option to extend his contract for a fifth year, keeping him with the team until 2025.
According to projections from Over The Cap, exercising this option would incur a cost of $12.17 million for the 2025 season alone. While not exorbitant by NFL standards, this presents a financial strain for the Browns, considering their salary cap situation in the coming years.
Jacob Roach of USA Today’s Browns Wire anticipates that the team will opt for this extension, despite the less than ideal financial implications. Roach argues that while Newsome may not warrant a long-term extension at a salary exceeding $10 million per year, the Browns will likely exercise the option due to the importance of having depth at the cornerback position and Newsome’s overall solid performance.
The deadline for the Browns to make a decision on Newsome’s option is May 2.
In the 2023 season, Newsome demonstrated his value to the team by achieving career-high statistics in various categories such as tackles, pass breakups, tackles for loss, interceptions, and defensive touchdowns.
According to Pro Football Reference, Newsome held opposing quarterbacks to a completion percentage of 56.7% and a passer rating of 74.8 across 67 targets in coverage, both of which were career bests. Despite this, Pro Football Focus rated Newsome as the 56th best cornerback out of 127 qualifying players, highlighting his shortcomings in rush defense.
Newsome contributed to the Browns’ defensive success in the 2023 season, appearing in 14 games and earning 13 starts as the defense ranked first in total yardage surrendered.
However, the Browns face significant financial challenges in the coming years, particularly with regards to their salary cap situation. The team currently has a deficit of $20.6 million for the 2024 season, although they will carry over approximately $30 million from 2023. Additionally, Deshaun Watson’s contract will result in a substantial cap hit of $64 million per season until its expiration in 2026. Furthermore, the team intends to retain wide receiver Amari Cooper, adding another $24 million to their salary cap allocation for the following season.
In navigating these financial constraints, the Browns may need to renegotiate contracts or potentially part ways with valuable players like Newsome and running back Nick Chubb, unless they are willing to accept reduced salaries.
