Deshaun Watson has become the easiest target in the NFL media cycle this offseason.
Following the announcement made by Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken that Watson, who last played in the NFL in 2024 after signing a 5-year, $230,000,000 contract in 2022, would be the Browns’ starting quarterback to begin the 2026 season, the media was left stunned.
His recent poor play, as well as the off-field issues that have circled Watson, has made the 30-year-old quarterback an easy target for the media. According to former NFL MVP Cam Newton, a one-sided narrative has been created to surround the Browns’ quarterback.
Cam Newton Calls Offseason Criticism of Deshaun Watson “Propaganda”
Newton recently went on his YouTube channel “4th&1 with Cam Newton” to push back against the fierce criticism of Watson, arguing that fans are not getting the full picture of what is happening at Browns training camp.
“So you mean to tell me, all these clips that’s hitting social media, Deshaun Watson don’t got no good clips? The propaganda that’s being displayed!” Newton said.
The comments come following the outrage from Browns fans and the media after Watson was named the starting quarterback over fan favorite Shedeur Sanders.
So far, Sanders hasn’t proven himself to be a viable starting option in the NFL. During the 2025 season, he got the starting job in Week 11, but failed to make a real impact in that role. Instead, he finished the season with more interceptions than touchdowns. He ranked second-to-last on PFN’s Quarterback Impact Metrics.
Negative clips showcasing Watson’s struggles throughout practice and preseason have circulated throughout the offseason.
The clips of Watson struggling have now become another reason for critics to question whether or not Watson should be an NFL starting quarterback.
However, Newton believes there is more to the story. The former MVP stated his understanding of the NFL being a business at the forefront as to why people should not be surprised that Watson was named the starter.
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Newton was clearly referring to Watson’s large contract as a reason why he was named the starting quarterback.
But the numbers since Watson arrived in Cleveland following the Browns’ major investment in the former first-round pick make it hard to create a case in his defense, and that is not to mention the off-the-field concerns surrounding the quarterback.
In 19 games with the Browns, Watson has picked up nine wins while throwing for 3,365 passing yards with 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
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Newton isn’t saying Watson has been perfect, far from it. However, he is suggesting that the public perception of Watson may be getting skewed into pure negativity.
Ultimately, Watson will have to settle the debate himself on the field, but considering his off-the-field issues, it is not a sure thing that strong play will be enough.
The Browns have already named him their starting quarterback, allowing him the chance to change the narrative once the games begin. Until then, every practice rep will continue to be scrutinized.
If Newton is right, Browns fans may want to look beyond the viral clips before deciding what Watson is actually capable of this season, but only time will tell. It is only up to Watson himself to change the narrative.
