Only two of the eight 2021 Cleveland Browns draft picks have not signed their rookie contracts.
#Browns LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah has signed his rookie deal.
CB Greg Newsome II and WR Anthony Schwartz are the remaining players yet to sign.
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) June 4, 2021
One is first round pick, cornerback Greg Newsome II, who made headlines on Friday, June 4 when he fired CAA Sports who had been representing him.
Cleveland Browns 1st round pick CB Greg Newsome II has left CAA Sports & is currently without an NFL agent.
Newsome, the No. 26 pick in this April's Draft, made the change Friday. He cannot sign with a new agent yet. He is in the NFLPA's 5-day waiting period.
— Liz Mullen (@liz_mu11en) June 7, 2021
Newsome did not waste time finding new representation.
His new agent is Drew Rosenhaus.
Welcome to the @rosenhaussports family @Browns 2021 1st ROUND PICK @gnewsii pic.twitter.com/e1j2QoxGxZ
— Drew Rosenhaus (@DrewJRosenhaus) June 10, 2021
Rosenhaus represents five other members of the Cleveland Browns.
They are: right tackle Jack Conklin, safety Ronnie Harrison, linebacker Jacob Phillips, safety Sheldrick Redwine, and tight end David Njoku.
Not A Big Deal
Players can sign rookie contracts without agents.
The dollar amount of the rookie contracts is fixed based upon the NFL Players Association’s collective bargaining agreement so the agent’s role is more prominent when negotiating extensions.
It is unclear what prompted Newsome to make the change.
Rosenhaus Is Widely Known
Drew Rosenhaus is a well-known name, especially among Browns fans.
Tight end David Njoku fired his agent last year and hired Rosenhaus.
Rosenhaus was behind the requests for Njoku to be traded prior to the 2020 season.
The Browns never obliged, and Rosenhaus was forced to walk back the request.
Newsome Is At OTAs
Despite the contract issue being unresolved, Newsome has been at OTAs and is putting in the work.
He will be competing with Greedy Williams, who was out last season with a shoulder injury, for a starting spot.
#Browns CB Greedy Williams on rookie CB Greg Newsome II, who's his competition for a starting spot: Nice footwork, smart, I'm happy for him.
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) June 9, 2021
At Northwestern, Newsome was effective at defending against the deep pass, an area where the Browns struggled last season.
The Browns have selected Northwestern CB Greg Newsome II at 26. #NFLDraft
via @AkronJackson pic.twitter.com/J7OhXI1Whq
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) April 30, 2021
He is a versatile player that has been described as a “smooth athlete” who “does everything at a high level.”
Newsome is part of the revamped Browns defense that will be immediately challenged in Week 1 against the improved Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive line.
Expect to see more out of Newsome and all the rookies next week as the Browns mandatory minicamp begins on June 15.
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