The Jacksonville Jaguars’ decision to trade for cornerback Greg Newsome has not yielded the expected results as the team grapples with his underperformance and recent injuries. Initially, it was believed that Newsome would outperform Tyson Campbell, especially after Campbell’s struggles earlier in the season. However, Newsome’s time in Jacksonville has been marred by setbacks, including a knee injury that significantly limited his participation in recent games.
In a recent victory over the Arizona Cardinals, Newsome was on the field for a mere six defensive snaps, mostly due to a coaching decision rather than injury, suggesting he has not met the team’s expectations since his arrival. This situation becomes more pressing as Newsome is in a contract year, and his lack of impactful play may jeopardize his chances of securing a new deal. Meanwhile, Campbell has thrived with the Cleveland Browns, even notching the first pick-6 of his career, further spotlighting the Jaguars’ miscalculation in the trade.
Injuries have also plagued Jacksonville’s cornerback unit this season, with both Jourdan Lewis and Travis Hunter sidelined, forcing players like Montaric Brown and Christian Braswell into prominent roles. While these players have filled in admirably, the overall depth of the cornerback position remains a concern. As both Brown and Newsome are set to hit the open market next year, the Jaguars will have tough decisions to make, especially given the cap constraints looming ahead.
As the Jaguars look toward the future, suggestions to bolster the cornerback roster have emerged, including the potential draft of Ohio State standout Davison Igbinosun. While the Jaguars still have time to rectify their situation, the odds seem stacked against Newsome continuing with the franchise. Though there is an opportunity for future improvement, the current signs point to a need for a change in the cornerback position to strengthen the team’s defense moving forward.