Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is once again drawing attention away from the football field. The veteran is working his way back after missing the entire 2025 season with an Achilles injury. His last extended look came in 2024, where flashes of talent mixed with familiar struggles. Now, as a crucial season approaches, fans are watching closely. But it’s what he did with that time away that has fans talking.
Deshaun Watson’s Yacht Vacation With Wife Sparks Criticism
Recent photos and videos show Watson and his wife, Jilly Anais, relaxing aboard a private yacht in Marbella, Spain. The couple enjoyed waterslides, jet skis, and swimming during sunny days on the Mediterranean coast.
The trip comes as Watson enters the final year of his fully guaranteed 230 million dollar contract. Cleveland restructured the deal in March, cutting his league high cap hit of 80.7 million dollars and freeing 36 million dollars in space. His base salary fell to the veteran minimum of 1.255 million dollars.
Deshaun Watson throws at the Browns OTA in Berea on May 27, 2026.
Many fans were unimpressed by the timing. One fan wrote, “He’s third string QB. Was a stud, now backs up Sanders and Gabriel.”
Another fans pushed back, “Most pros take this last 2-3 weeks stretch off before a 7 month grind.”
Others noted minicamp had already wrapped, with training camp still weeks away. Watson has reportedly been training with teammates in Florida ahead of camp, suggesting his offseason work has not stopped completely.
The Browns still view Watson as a key piece heading into 2026.
Watson’s health and recovery progress continue to raise more questions than answers.
Deshaun Watson Injury Update Creates More Questions
Watson looks fully recovered this offseason, a year removed from the Achilles tear that wiped out his entire 2025 season. He has taken part in every offseason practice, drawing praise for his arm strength and mobility during minicamp drills.
Still, the starting job remains unsettled. Watson is locked in a tight competition with second year quarterback Shedeur Sanders, and new head coach Todd Monken has declined to name a starter.
Coach Monken said, “I’d love to have it now. We just don’t.”
Watson has started just 19 games for the Browns since the 2022 trade, going 9-10 with 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and an 80.7 passer rating. In his last action in 2024, he went 1-6 with five touchdowns and three interceptions.
ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler reported that Watson still holds a slight edge, though Sanders closed some of the gap this spring.
Watson remains the center of attention as the Browns push toward the 2026 season. Cleveland opens on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 13, before hosting the rival Pittsburgh Steelers in a Thursday night divisional clash three weeks later.