Greg Newsome
Getty
Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome.
The Green Bay Packers need to address the cornerback position in a big way during the 2026 offseason.
In 2025 Packers cornerbacks totaled just two interceptions on the season. Nate Hobbs was supposed to help bolster the unit when he signed a four-year, $48 million contract with Green Bay last offseason, but injuries and poor performance made him a disappointment.
Cornerback is not only a need in 2026, but also for the future as Hobbs in the only one currently under contract for the 2027 season. While identifying his perfect free agent fits this offseason, ESPN’s Matt Bowen linked a veteran cornerback to the Packers.
Green Bay Packers Named Best Fit for CB Greg Newsome II
Newsome was selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. His fifth-year option was exercised for the 2025 season, but the Browns traded him to the Jacksonville Jaguars in October. Here’s what Bowen had to say about Newsome potentially joining the Packers:
“The Packers’ cornerbacks struggled after Micah Parsons’ injury limited the pass rush, and new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon will install a zone-heavy scheme. That’s a fit for Newsome, who uses his backfield vision in coverage. Re-signing with the Jaguars is also an option.”
Newsome is a nice blend of being a veteran, but still young at 25 years old, and a fit as a zone coverage cornerback. His best season came in 2023 when he recorded 49 total tackles, 14 passes defensed, and two interceptions – one of which he returned for a touchdown. However, he regressed a bit in 2024, and his season ended on a sour note with a hamstring injury that cost him the final four games.
Newsome could round back into form in Packers’ defensive scheme
Browns CB Greg Newsome II
GettyCB Greg Newsome II
2025 was another inconsistent season for Newsome, although he did post a career high in tackles with 52. Newsome has allowed nine touchdown passes and has recorded 23 missed tackles over the past two seasons. Despite often playing in the slot, he isn’t great against the run.
However, he has played much better out on the boundary. That would be the perfect spot for him in new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon’s system. Combined with Gannon’s zone-heavy scheme, Newsome could get back on track and be a solid contributor in Green Bay’s secondary.
Bowen went on to find new fits for current Packers players that are set to become free agents in March:
It is very realistic that Green Bay doesn’t retain any of the four listed above. Jordan Morgan should slide in as Rasheed Walker’s replacement, and the Packers have nice depth at wide receiver to allow Doubs to walk.
Willis will pursue an opportunity to compete for a starting job. That leaves Quay Walker as the toughest decision. Walker has posted at least 100 tackles in every season of his career, but will likely command a high-end contract that the Packers may not want to hand out.