Browns star CB irritated over false report that he requested a trade

It only took Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II a few hours to dispel a report that he had requested a trade out of Cleveland.

And though it’s been a week since the 22-year-old former first-round pick set the record straight, he’s still upset that he was drug into a social media firestorm over something that didn’t even happen.

"I was mad [about the report]," Newsome told reporters on Tuesday. “I really just don't think people really, truly understand how much — first of all — Cleveland means to me. Getting drafted here, the fans embracing me right away. I really just don't understand something like that. I wouldn't do that. I truly adore Cleveland. I was definitely mad."

It wasn’t too difficult for most to believe there was truth to Newsome’s trade request given the annoyance he voiced after being forced to play in the slot by former Browns defensive coordinator Joe Woods.

The Browns have since fired Woods and replaced him with former Detroit Lions head coach and Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz — someone Newsome has expressed levels of optimism about working with.

“With a new defensive coordinator, [I’d like to] just being able to sit down, talk to him, see a new scheme and things like that,” Newsome added. “I feel like last year, I was more of a linebacker in certain instances than an actual cornerback. Talking to Jim Schwartz and being able to get in his new scheme, I feel like we will work very well together."

The 26th overall pick in the 2021 draft, Newsome was the only Browns defensive back to play 500 or more coverage snaps and allow less than 10 yards per reception this season. 

He’s only surrendered four touchdowns in two seasons with 14 combined pass break ups and 18 forced incompletions, according to Pro Football Focus.