Cam Newton has weighed in on the Cleveland Browns‘ crowded quarterback room, offering a strong verdict on Deshaun Watson‘s future as he recovers from his Achilles injury.
Speaking on his show, the former Carolina Panthers MVP broke down the Browns’ depth chart, where four quarterbacks are competing behind veteran Joe Flacco, who has already been named the starter for the 2025 season.
Watson, who was Cleveland’s primary quarterback last season, saw his year cut short after rupturing his Achilles tendon, an injury that required surgery and has sidelined him for months.
While the 29-year-old continues his rehab process, Newton made it clear he believes Watson‘s path back to a starting role in Cleveland is unlikely given the circumstances.
“I don’t even think Deshaun Watson is going to even get a fair shot [in Cleveland],” Newton said. “He’s making the necessary steps … to fight back, but sometimes circumstances just outweigh reality.”
A shifting depth chart in Cleveland
The Browns’ decision to name Joe Flacco their starter set the tone for the quarterback competition, but the real battle lies in the race for the backup spots. Rookie quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel are vying for those roles, and with Watson unlikely to return this season, both are looking to carve out a long-term place on the roster.
Newton suggested that Watson‘s injury creates a natural disadvantage for him, regardless of his previous status as the team’s top quarterback. In Newton’s eyes, Cleveland’s coaching staff will prioritize players who can contribute immediately.
He also emphasized that success in an NFL locker room isn’t just about online popularity or fan support.
“It’s more important to have followers in the locker room than on social media to impress the team management,” Newton noted, implying that rookies like Sanders and Gabriel could gain an edge by establishing themselves as dependable leaders early on.
Watson signed a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract with the Browns in 2022, making him one of the highest-paid players in NFL history. However, injuries and inconsistency have derailed his time in Cleveland.
With Flacco entrenched as the starter and rookies developing behind him, Newton‘s comments reflect growing skepticism about Watson‘s role moving forward.
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