The New York Giants signed cornerback Greg Newsome II to a one-year contract worth up to $8 million. The 25-year-old was a first-round draft pick out of Northwestern by the Cleveland Browns in 2021. He played opposite Denzel Ward and had three very good seasons to start his career. He allowed an average completion rate of 62.9% over his first two seasons, then allowed just 59.7% in 2023, where he knocked 11 balls away and had two interceptions.
2024 was not as fruitful for Newsome II, who was in his second season in Jim Schwartz’s defense. Newsome II allowed a career high in touchdowns (4) and catch percentage (67.4%). His season ended on the I.R. with a hamstring injury.
His 2025 with Cleveland was lackluster. He was often out of position, losing leverage, and his tackling was suspect, so the Browns traded him to the Jacksonville Jaguars for Tyson Campbell and a late pick swap. Newsome II seemed lost in Jacksonville; he blew several coverages and did not look confident in his play.
He surrendered a 67.9% catch rate for a career high 641 yards with five touchdowns allowed and just two passes defensed, along with a BOSS interception against Michael Pittman Jr. Overall, his last two years were a struggle session for the young talented cornerback, but the tape isn’t terrible — just inconsistent.
It’s obvious that Newsome II has talent and fluidity:
He is not a burner, but he is sufficient when he executes his technique correctly and promptly. He was undisciplined and appeared unsure or unconfident in 2025, but I believe that can be rectified in a new environment, especially since he is heavily incentivized on a one-year, prove-it deal.
Newsome II does well when he is square in a squatting position; his click and close is quick and he can generate force into contact when he builds momentum from depth, but he isn’t a stopping power type of hitter. He does need to wrap up and become a more sure tackler — he missed more than 20% of his tackles in both of the last two seasons.
Overall, I like this signing, but believe Tae Banks — if he can get his head on straight and decide to execute a run fit — could still win the cornerback two job opposite Paulson Adebo. Still, having Newsome in the building is a wise, upside, addition, that could help the Giants in 2026 and beyond. Please, like and subscribe to the video!
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