Packers Viewed as Best Fit in Free Agency for Former First-Round Cornerback

ESPN's Matt Bowen projects the Packers will sign cornerback Greg Newsome in free agency.

Feb. 19, 2026 at 4:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Green Bay Packers are still searching for a cornerback, and ESPN's Matt Bowen projected they will sign former Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Greg Newsome in free agency. Newsome, a first-round pick in 2021, has played in 71 games with 58 starts over his five-year career, recording four interceptions and 44 passes defensed.

Why it matters

The Packers' cornerbacks struggled after Micah Parsons' injury limited the pass rush, and new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon is expected to install a zone-heavy scheme, which could be a good fit for Newsome's skill set. Signing Newsome would bolster the Packers' secondary as they look to improve their defense for the 2026 season.

The details

Newsome was traded from the Browns to the Jaguars in October 2025. In his five NFL seasons, he has recorded four interceptions and 44 passes defensed. His best season came in 2023 when he had career highs of two interceptions and 14 passes defensed. Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile praised Newsome's coverage skills, saying he's 'really sticky in coverage' and 'competes at the catch point.'

  • Newsome was traded to the Jaguars in October 2025.
  • Newsome will turn 26 in May 2026.

The players

Greg Newsome

A former first-round cornerback who has played for the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars over his five-year NFL career.

Micah Parsons

A linebacker for the Packers whose injury limited the team's pass rush in 2025.

Jonathan Gannon

The Packers' new defensive coordinator who is expected to install a zone-heavy defensive scheme.

Nate Hobbs

A cornerback the Packers signed to a four-year, $48 million contract in free agency last offseason.

Anthony Campanile

The Jaguars' defensive coordinator who praised Newsome's coverage skills after the trade.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If you watch him play man to man, he's really sticky in coverage, competes at the catch point. Then in zone coverage, he's a savvy player. What we look at and we're excited about, he has really good ball skills, ability to break and drive on the ball.”

— Anthony Campanile, Jaguars Defensive Coordinator

“We always value guys who are versatile. He can definitely do that. He has played well against some of the best players in this league. That's what excites us about him.”

— Anthony Campanile, Jaguars Defensive Coordinator

What’s next

The Packers will need to decide whether to pursue Newsome in free agency and how much they are willing to pay for his services to bolster their secondary.

The takeaway

The Packers' need for a cornerback and Newsome's versatility and coverage skills make him an intriguing free agent target for the team as they look to improve their defense for the 2026 season.