EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — New York Giants cornerback Greg Newsome II has been studying George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb for the Sept. 13 opener against the Dallas Cowboys, and his history with Pickens goes back to their years in the AFC North.
Newsome spent four and a half seasons in Cleveland before the Browns traded him to Jacksonville on Oct. 9, 2025. Pickens played for Pittsburgh from 2022 through 2024 before the Cowboys acquired him. Newsome said Wednesday that his assignment against the two does not need much explaining.
“I’ve played against Pickens in the AFC North a lot,” Newsome said. “And then obviously, CeeDee, somebody that obviously I’ve played against him as well. My job is simple. Don’t let them catch the ball. Don’t give up any explosive plays. When they do catch the ball, make them feel it and tackle. Definitely two great receivers, but we’ll be ready.”
Newsome said the room wants to be the best in the league this season, and Dallas gives it a chance to show that in the first game.
“That’s a cornerback’s dream is to go against the best,” Newsome said. “If you want to be the best and that’s what we want to be this season, why not showcase it week one? I’m super excited for the challenge and my guys will be ready.”
Pickens caught 93 passes for 1,429 yards and 9 touchdowns last season in his first year with Dallas and made the Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro. Lamb had 75 catches for 1,077 yards and 3 touchdowns in 14 games. In the Sept. 14 meeting at AT&T Stadium, a 40-37 Dallas win in overtime, Lamb had 9 catches for 112 yards and Pickens had 5 catches for 68 yards and a touchdown.
Where The New York Giants Cornerback Competition Stands
Newsome signed a one-year deal worth up to $10 million in March, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported. He has 4 interceptions and 43 passes defensed in 71 career games with 58 starts. Last season, split between Cleveland and Jacksonville, he had 1 interception.
Giants coach John Harbaugh held Newsome out of the preseason finale against the Jets while Paulson Adebo and Deonte Banks played. Harbaugh said the staff feels secure with Newsome’s summer.
“He was very, very consistent,” Harbaugh said Wednesday. “Very consistent every single day, same guy, played at a high level. Expect him to play really well.”
Harbaugh said he probably will not name a starter at the other outside spot, because doing so would tell the Cowboys how the Giants plan to line up. He said the Giants could rotate corners in the game or leave two out there the whole time.
Newsome’s view of the room includes Adebo, Banks, and rookie second-round pick Colton Hood.
“I think we’ve got the best cornerback room in the league when you talk about depth and just guys having the ability to play,” Newsome said. “I feel like all of us can be out there week one and play at a very elite level. Tae [Banks] has been amazing just in his press coverage, very strong, very physical, a cerebral player. Hood being a rookie, what I like about him is he takes a lot from the vets. He asks questions, he learns, and he’s been growing each and every day. Then, obviously, Adebo, he gets his hands on a lot of passes. He’s been another great vet to have in the room.”
New York kept six cornerbacks on the 53-man roster. Harbaugh said the sixth, Nic Jones, can play nickel, outside, and safety.
The Dallas Cowboys Passing Game Greg Newsome II Will See
Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson is in his first year with the Giants after two seasons in the same role in Tennessee. Newsome said the scheme asks for aggressive press coverage, which is what he played in Cleveland.
Dallas finished second in the league with 4,527 net passing yards last season. Dak Prescott threw for 4,552 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
