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Cornerback Greg Newsome II is signing with the New York Giants in NFL free agency.
The New York Giants agreed to an early morning signing on day two of NFL free agency on March 10, as ESPN insider Adam Schefter and NFL insider Jordan Schultz both relayed news that cornerback Greg Newsome II is expected to join Big Blue after last night’s Cor’Dale Flott departure.
Not long after, SNY insider Connor Hughes detailed the terms of the expected contract.
The 1-year contract the #Giants gave Greg Newsome is worth $8 million with $3 million guaranteed, per sources.
This does not preclude New York from targeting other cornerbacks. Solid addition to the room, though.
“The 1-year contract the Giants gave Greg Newsome is worth $8 million with $3 million guaranteed, per sources,” Hughes reported. Adding: “This does not preclude New York from targeting other cornerbacks. Solid addition to the room, though.”
Schultz also reminded fans that Newsome is a “former 1st-round pick [and] still just 25 years old,” labeling him an “immediate impact” addition at cornerback.
Giants Make Unexpected Pivot to Greg Newsome II After Cor’Dale Flott Snubs John Harbaugh for Titans in NFL Free Agency
GettyNew York Giants reported cornerback signing Greg Newsome II made a name for himself with the Cleveland Browns.
Really, this move reads as a quick pivot to a high-upside talent after the Flott departure. But Newsome certainly has his warts.
The Athletic’s Dan Duggan provided a more candid reaction to this move, commenting: “[This is a] prove-it deal for a young player whose arrow is pointed in the wrong direction. Was part of a rotation in Jacksonville after the midseason trade.”
Newsome burst onto the NFL scene with the Cleveland Browns, displaying above-average ability as a coverage CB. Pro Football Focus awarded him coverage grades of 69.9 or higher in each of his first three seasons in the league, with a passer rating when targeted that was under 100 from 2021 through 2023.
Things started to go in the “wrong direction,” as Duggan noted, in 2024.
This is a bit of a curious signing because it does not fit the brand of football that new head coach John Harbaugh has preached. At his worst, Newsome has been an undisciplined youngster who is a poor tackler, according to PFF.
He got into an on-field altercation with former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens in 2024 on the final play of the game. Fortunately for Newsome and Cleveland, no penalties were called as both players seemed to be at fault.
The tackling is a bigger concern, as Newsome has been charged with a missed tackle rate over 20% in each of the past two seasons. He’s been penalized 17 times over five seasons.
So, while this is a low-risk signing in terms of spending, it’s also a high-risk move in terms of the player. Perhaps the Giants are hoping Harbaugh can bring the best out of the former first-round pick.
Giants Added Ex-Ravens John Harbaugh Disciple in Late-Night Secondary News
Late on March 9, the Giants came to terms on a deal with defensive back Ar’Darius Washington, per Schultz.
“Sources: The Giants are expected to sign former [Baltimore] Ravens CB Ar’Darius Washington to a 1-year deal,” Schultz reported late last night. “Washington has been in Baltimore since 2021 and now follows John Harbaugh to New York.”
Clearly, this is more of a Harbaugh move, as the Giants HC brings over another one of his locker room favorites.
Washington is more of a third safety and nickel candidate than an outside cornerback, but he’s a versatile role player at his core. PFF credits the former Raven with defensive snaps at five different starting alignments.
To no surprise, he’s also made an impact on special teams over the years.
Newsome and Washington will help remake this secondary as the Giants lost Flott to the Tennessee Titans and third safety Dane Belton to the New York Jets on March 9.
Michael Obermuller covers the NFL as an Associate Editor for Heavy Sports, where he began writing in 2021. His areas of focus include the NFL breaking news operation, Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Pittsburgh Steelers, with expert knowledge on each based on years of coverage. Michael is an NYC area native and Quinnipiac graduate. More about Michael Obermuller
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