New York Giants cornerback Greg Newsome bet on himself with a one-year contract this past March and is already locking in long-term security because the fit felt right from the start.
Newsome said he never doubted the approach once he signed the one-year deal.
"I believed wholeheartedly after I signed a one-year. I knew the type of person I was, first and foremost. And I knew what type of player I was, and I knew that if I just get to the right place, that the money will take care of itself," Newsome told reporters on Wednesday. "I feel like when you're somewhere that you're wanted, you're somewhere that you're loved, everything else takes care of itself. So, I knew this would be the place."
That place has been the Giants, where he has started
and produced through six games. The organization responded with a three-year, $46 million extension that includes $32 million guaranteed, keeping him under contract through 2029.
Newsome traced the comfort to the culture and the scheme.
"It starts from the top down. Starting obviously with ownership, just how they carry themselves. It goes down to the head coach and it keeps going down," he said. "So, just what Harbs has just instilled, just the toughness of how we're going to play, things like that. And then, Dennard [Wilson] has the perfect scheme for me. Being able to go challenge people, being aggressive and things like that."
He made clear he hopes that alignment lasts.
"Oh, yeah, man. Yeah, for sure. Things happen but, obviously, I would love for him to be with me the rest of my career as well," Newsome said.
When the Giants approached him about the extension, Newsome did not weigh the possibility of waiting and chasing a higher number.
"You obviously could play it out, maybe make a few more millions, continue to play well. But for me, it's not really about that," he said. "Once again, I chose this place because it just fits me. The coaches, my teammates -- I just love being around these guys. So, when they approached us with a deal, it was a no-brainer. It wasn't, 'How about I play it out and maybe make a few more millions?' Obviously, it would be great to have a few more, but when you're somewhere that you're wanted and loved, the money, I'm getting good enough money that I'll be secure for the rest of my life."
The extension recognizes a player who has fit the aggressive style Dennard Wilson wants and the toughness John Harbaugh has emphasized. Newsome has one interception, six passes defensed, and 25 tackles while allowing no touchdowns in coverage as the Giants sit atop the NFC East.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Greg Newsome's bet on himself already paying off with New York Giants
