Cornerback Greg Newsome II was thankful the Cleveland Browns picked up his fifth-year option after pre-draft trade rumors had surfaced and wants his future to remain in Cleveland according to Scott Petrak of BrownsZone.com.

"Just blessed that the organization sees so much in me. Just blessed that obviously that amount will be able to help me change my family's future even more," Newsome said.  "So just super blessed, super excited that they want me here and that I want to be here. It's a blessing."

"Extension-wise, we haven't really talked about that," he said. "Honestly, I'm just focused on trying to get us as high as we can this year and whatever happens after that happens.
"But like I said before, I would love to be a Cleveland Brown for life."

The No. 26 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Newsome will have an injury-guaranteed salary of roughly $13.38 million in 2025. The Browns also have three-time Pro Bowl CB Denzel Ward on a big-money deal and former third-round pick Martin Emerson, who emerged as a strong contributor last season, on a rookie contract. But Newsome also has stated his case to earn a long-term deal.

He has settled in as a core contributor over his three seasons, with two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, starting 39 of 41 games in his career (13 of 14 last season). In 2023, Newsome hit career highs with 14 passes defensed, 49 tackles and four tackles for loss. The Browns featured the NFL's top-ranked pass defense last season at 164.7 yards per game.