Cam Newton has expressed doubts about Deshaun Watson’s ability to secure a position within the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback competition. Speaking on the Browns quarterback situation, Newton highlighted Watson’s ongoing recovery and the presence of other contenders, including rookie Shedeur Sanders, vying for limited spots behind the starter Joe Flacco. Watson’s significant Achilles injury, sustained last season, has sidelined him for the entirety of the 2025 campaign, further complicating his return to form.
On the challenge facing Watson, Newton remarked:
“I don’t even think Deshaun Watson is going to even get a fair shot (in Cleveland). He’s making the necessary steps … to fight back, but sometimes circumstances just outweigh reality.”
Newton further emphasized that leadership and influence within the locker room outweigh social media popularity when it comes to earning respect from team management. Given Watson’s severe injury, Newton believes that younger athletes like Sanders and Gabriel have gained an advantage in the competition. In addition to the rookies, Kenny Pickett remains a viable option for the Browns’ quarterback roster.
Impact of Watson’s Injury on the Browns’ Quarterback Depth
Deshaun Watson arrived in Cleveland in March 2022 after a trade with the Houston Texans. The Browns exchanged multiple high-value draft picks, including first-round selections in 2022, 2023, and 2024, along with additional mid-round picks, to secure Watson and a 2024 sixth-round pick from Houston.
The Browns committed to a five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million contract with Watson, marking the largest guaranteed sum in NFL history at the time of signing. However, Watson’s injury has led Browns owner Jimmy Haslam to describe the transaction as a “big swing-and-miss.” Speaking at the NFL’s recent annual meeting, Haslam stated:
“We thought we had the quarterback; we didn’t. And we gave up a lot of draft picks to get him, so we’ve got to dig ourselves out of that hole.”
In response to Watson’s absence, Cleveland acquired veteran Joe Flacco, who was named the starter for the upcoming season, as well as signing Kenny Pickett and Tyler Huntley. The Browns’ preseason has seen a competitive battle among the quarterbacks striving to secure a role on the team, with Flacco firmly placed in the QB1 role.
Quarterback Battle Heats Up Amidst Uncertainty
With Joe Flacco confirmed as the starter, the remaining Browns signal-callers face stiff competition to maintain a place on the roster. The recovery timeline for Deshaun Watson remains uncertain, and his injury will likely influence how the Browns approach their quarterback strategy throughout the season. The emergence of rookies such as Shedeur Sanders, along with the presence of Kenny Pickett and Tyler Huntley, have expanded the pool of viable options for Cleveland’s coaching staff moving forward.