Greg Newsome II could star in one of those Mastercard commercials where he delivers the slogan that playing in the right defensive scheme is the “priceless” thing that money can’t buy.
Newsome, 26, left money on the table in free agency when signing with the Giants because he learned the hard way after a midseason trade in 2025 that finding the right fit — in this case, coordinator Dennard Wilson’s playbook — is invaluable.
It’s been a mutually good investment for both Newsome and the Giants, who have a shutdown cornerback and energy-creator on a one-year, $8 million contract.
“I had all the confidence in the world coming here, knowing the scheme fits my strong suits,” Newsome told The Post. “I knew I would play well this season.
“In free agency, I chose based upon scheme and somewhere I knew I would be successful instead of just following the money. Going somewhere I knew I would be wanted and needed, all that other stuff will come in due time.”
How well is Newsome playing? Well, opposing quarterbacks have a 57.2 rating (completing 14-of-26 passes with an interception) when targeting him.
Sounds like a No. 1 cornerback, which is a role that Newsome never occupied playing four seasons with All-Pro Denzel Ward in Cleveland nor when he fell out of favor as a mismatched fit in Jacksonville.
“I don’t want guys who don’t want to be No. 1 corners,” cornerbacks coach Addison Lynch said. “If you are here, you want to be a No. 1 corner. That’s the only guys we’re taking. If you don’t want to be a No. 1 corner, you are playing for somebody else.”
Much was made after last game — and rightfully so — of Deonte Banks’ game-ending pick-6 and of rookie Arvell Reese’s first career interception.
But the Giants’ “other” of three interceptions — Newsome high-pointing a deep ball and securing the catch while falling onto his back — was impressive in its own right.
“I just did what I was trained to do,” Newsome said. “People think that’s a spectacular play. That’s a routine play. If the ball is in the air, I have to go get it.”
Newsome asserted himself as the Giants’ most consistent cornerback early in training camp, while more eyes were locked on high-paid 2025 free-agent addition Paulson Adebo, former first-round bust Banks (who has resurrected his floundering career as a starter) and rookie second-rounder Colton Hood.
“Man, I believe so wholeheartedly in him and his ability,” Wilson said of Newsome. “He has cultivated the room with his energy, with his effort, his attention to detail, his willingness to learn, his willingness to go the extra mile to bring guys in [to] watch extra film together. He’s been an outstanding addition to this defense and to this organization.”
The matchup that awaits Newsome on Sunday is receiver Terry McLaurin, who has had a trash-talking rivalry with Banks over the last three seasons.
With Stefon Diggs sidelined for the Commanders, Newsome (pride of Northwestern) could take McLaurin (Ohio State) away from Banks in a matchup that goes back to the 2018 Big Ten Championship Game.
“I joke about, he was the only touchdown I gave up in college and I’m still a little bit mad about that,” Newsome said. “I’ve played against him in the league, as well. Great player — physical, fast and electric.”
Newsome boldly predicted that the Giants had the “the best cornerback room” in the NFL during the preseason. Fewer eyes are rolling now after back-to-back wins secured on near-goal line interceptions in the final 20 seconds.
“What did I see? Domination,” Newsome said. “The best groups in the league, yes, they have a lot of talent. But we are super close. Everyone wants each other to succeed. I think that’s a key component for a secondary to be great.”
Wilson sees a secondary jelling behind the leadership of Newsome and safety Jevon Holland, both of whom picked what their coordinator called “terrible” music for Thursday’s practice and were doing “all their little corny [dance] moves.”
Winning is fun.
“Greg is doing the things we ask him,” Lynch said. “Our job now is to be consistent and four games doesn’t count as consistent — but it’s a hell of a start.
“We’ve gotten a pleasant surprise in him taking a leadership role. He does a great job with that. That has helped us tremendously being able to develop guys’ confidence, because he was opposite Ward so he saw a lot of balls and he understands the ups and downs, and how the thinking goes.”
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: nypost.com
