Deshaun Watson Leaves the Door to Browns Open for Cam Newton After Latter’s Recent Take on NFL Return

A few weeks ago, the former first-overall pick, Cam Newton looked determined to reclaim his starting quarterback position in the league. Even if it came at the cost of replacing one of the 32 starters in the NFL. However, the adrenaline seems to have settled as Superman adjusted his expectations this week, in his willingness to accept a backup role. And Deshaun Watson welcomed the change of heart with open arms.

On Wednesday, former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton posted a video on his YouTube channel titled ‘Backup’. And Newton, although sticking to his initial stance, fully convinced about his comeback, has amended his starting lineup needs. However, Cam would only take the backup role for a select few quarterbacks in the league.

Cam Newton adjusts his starting quarterback expectations

“Tell me how these randoms keep getting jobs. Don’t worry about it. Imma show you. I can’t wait to show you. I love it. Ain’t 32 motherf——s better than me,” the former NFL MVP said last month, days before he showed off his throwing skills for NFL teams at the Auburn Pro Day. The video drew considerable criticism from fans and experts, considering Cam hadn’t played a full season since his New England Patriots season in 2020. That year, Cam finished with 8 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, ending the season with a losing 7-8 record.

ALSO READ: Cam Newton and Colin Kaepernick Weighed on Possible NFL Return

Cam missed the entire 2022 season and only played the last eight games of the 2021 season when starting quarterback Sam Howell injured himself. His last playoff win came in 2016 when he took the Panthers to a Super Bowl appearance, with his last postseason appearance coming in the 2018 wild-card round loss to the New Orleans Saints. With all the stats and history in mind, Cam had to shift from his ‘starting quarterback or nothing’ narrative.

“I know a lot of people have a lot of things to say in regard to my future in the NFL. And I wanted to set the record straight by saying this is how I feel. There ain’t 32 guys that are better than me. But I also know I could also be a backup. And I’m willing to be a backup,” Cam said on Wednesday’s YouTube video.

Deshaun Watson was happy to hear Cam’s revised statement

Cam Newton’s list of quarterbacks he’s willing to back up is short and sweet. The list included some big names from the league like free agent Aaron Rodgers and Super Bowl LVII runner-up Jalen Hurts. Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen, Chicago’s Justin Fields, Miami’s Tua Tagovailoa, Titans QB Malik Willis, and potentially former Raven Lamar Jackson also made the list. However, Cleveland and former Texans QB, Deshaun Watson, was at the top of Cam’s list.

“I know I could provide services for him on the field as well as off the field,” Cam said about Watson, with whom he already shares a good relationship. Deshaun seemed extremely open to the idea, tweeting in response.

“That’s my family,” Deshaun tweeted, with a fingers-crossed emoji.

WATCH THIS STORY: After Travis Kelce’s Super Bowl and SNL appearance, home city steps up to celebrate Kelce family with huge honor

Where do you think Cam Newton will end up for the 2023 season? Will the dual-threat quarterback land a backup role or will a desperate franchise fulfil his starting quarterback desire?