Deshaun Watson tied the knot earlier this month, and one of the more notable guests in attendance was Cleveland Browns co-owner Jimmy Haslam.
Watson married longtime girlfriend Jilly Anais, who announced their engagement in March. Anais has remained publicly supportive of Watson throughout his off-field controversies. In 2022, Watson served an 11-game suspension and paid a $5 million fine following more than 20 allegations of sexual misconduct, a punishment tied to violations of the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
A recently posted video on Anais’ social media shows Haslam shaking hands with Watson at the ceremony, a surprising sight, considering the owner’s recent candid remarks about Watson’s tenure in Cleveland.
Jimmy Haslam Called Browns’ Deshaun Watson Trade ‘Swing and Miss’
The Browns traded for Watson in 2022, signing him to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract. The move has since been subject to significant scrutiny. Watson has played in just 19 games over three seasons, throwing for 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He appeared in seven games in 2024 before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury, finishing with 1,148 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions.
Watson re-injured his Achilles in January during his recovery and underwent a second surgery. He remains sidelined as he rehabs the injury.
Haslam, who has largely remained supportive in public until recently, made striking comments at the NFL’s annual meeting in March.
“We took a big swing-and-miss with Deshaun,” Haslam said. “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. … [The trade] was an entire organization decision, and it ends with Dee [Haslam] and I, so hold us accountable.”
Watson seemingly responded on social media, acknowledging that many are doubting he’ll be able to make a comeback from his latest setback.
“Everyone is doubting me. Everyone don’t believe in me,” Watson said in the post. “Everyone don’t think I can get back to where I was. But I know, and I believe the work that I put in, that I believe in myself… I know, I’m gonna be way better than before.”
Deshaun Watson’s Future is Not With Browns
Watson hopes to be healthy enough to play this season. But even if he’s cleared to be back on the field, he’s unlikely to play into the starting quarterback equation with the Browns.
Cleveland is set to run a four-man competition during training camp that includes Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot reported that Watson could be ready to start practicing by October. However, she clarified that it’s unlikely he’ll play this season for the Browns.
“I think it’s an enormous long shot for Deshaun Watson to see the field at all this year. Right now, they have four quarterbacks who are vying for playing time, and I would think that you have to get through all four before putting Deshaun on the field. So, unless something really drastic happens, I don’t envision it this year. I think they will probably proceed with caution.”
The Browns kick off training camp later this month.
