Cam Newton raises the stakes on Deshaun Watson struggling to live up to $230,000,000 contract

Cam Newton knows a thing or two about deep playoff runs. With Deshaun Watson still chasing his first deep playoff run, Newton called on the quarterback to deliver. Speaking on the "4th and 1" show, the former Carolina Panthers sensation claimed "it's time" for Watson to take the next step.

"It’s time," Newton said. "He’s made a lot of money but what’s to show for it? You gotta go on a run, that’s really what it comes down to. A quarterback is only judged off of playoff success. ... What year, what game are you gonna put your heart on the table and say ‘That was the game.’"

“When I look at Deshaun, it’s like as great of a player as he is, or is supposed to be, we ain’t really seen it yet. ... You ain’t a young kid anymore. You’re a vet," Newton added.

Newton understands what it's like to be a 29-year-old veteran. When he was 29, he was at the beginning of his decline in the NFL. Meanwhile, Watson is striving for a breakout season. At 29, Newton had a 6-8 record and was in the second-to-last season as a genuine starter in his career.

Age catches up in different ways and times, but injuries and decline only become more likely around 30 years old for humans. Watson is entering that window in 2024.

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Deshaun Watson has the potential to change the perception of his time with the Cleveland Browns this season. After planting the seed with a 5-1 run with the team last year, a quality year could prove that adding him was at least a winning move, if not a lightning-fast ROI.

However, if he were to pull off a quality year in 2024, seemingly every fan would agree that he needs to throw for double-digit touchdowns. If he were to accomplish that basic feat, it would be the first time since 2020.

In 2020, he threw for 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions, easily the most productive season of his career. However, he also wound up going 4–12. With Watson throwing for seven touchdowns and four interceptions last season, he went 5-1.

This season, he will look to combine the winning percentage of 2023 with the production of 2020. If Deshaun Watson can do that, most would agree that it would go a long way toward validating the first fully guaranteed contract in NFL history.

If any of the above quotes are used, credit the "4th and 1" show and H/T Sportskeeda.