Who is Deshaun Watson (Wiki / Career Summary)
-
Deshaun Watson is an NFL quarterback, originally drafted by the Houston Texans.
-
On March 18, 2022, he was traded to the Cleveland Browns along with a 2024 sixth-round pick, in exchange for multiple high picks: first-round picks in 2022, 2023, and 2024 plus additional mid-round picks.
-
As part of that trade, Watson signed a fully guaranteed five-year contract worth US$230 million, which at the time was the largest guaranteed deal in NFL history.
-
Prior to the trade, Watson had earned three Pro Bowl selections (2018–2020) and in 2020 led the NFL in passing yards.
Trade Details: What Did Cleveland Give, What Did They Get
-
What Cleveland Received: Deshaun Watson + a 2024 sixth-round pick.
-
What Houston (Texans) Got:
-
2022 first-round pick
-
2022 fourth-round pick
-
2023 first-round pick
-
2023 third-round pick
-
2024 first-round pick
-
2024 fourth-round pick
-
-
Analysts widely consider this trade one of the most lopsided in recent NFL history — especially given how the picks were later used by the Texans to build a solid core, while Watson’s performance and availability in Cleveland fell short of expectations.
Because of the high draft capital surrendered and Watson’s limited on-field production and stability since joining Cleveland, many regard the trade as a “big swing and miss.”
Contract, Recent Restructures & Contract End / Cap Impact
-
Watson’s original 5-year, US$230M fully guaranteed contract with the Browns remains in effect.
-
In March 2025, the Browns restructured his contract — converting part of his 2025 salary into a signing bonus to create nearly US$36 million in salary-cap space for the team.
-
Despite the restructure, the guaranteed money owed to Watson for 2025–2026 remains unchanged.
-
The restructure also added “void years” at the end of his deal, giving the Browns the ability to spread out “dead money” (if they release or trade him later) — a financial maneuver for flexibility across seasons.
-
As of now, his contract hasn’t “ended” — he remains under contract through 2026 (though final free-agency or release status could occur afterward, subject to team decisions).
Personal Life – Wife & Marriage
-
Watson has been in a long-term relationship with Jilly Anais (singer/author/model). The couple got engaged in March 2025.
-
They officially married on July 3, 2025, in a private yacht ceremony in Miami.
-
Despite the controversies and career setbacks, Jilly Anais has publicly supported Watson — her social-media posts on his 30th birthday and wedding highlight a personal support system through turbulent professional times.
Return / 2025 Status & What’s Next
-
Unfortunately, Watson has faced major injury setbacks: in October 2024 he ruptured his right Achilles tendon. He re-injured the same tendon during rehab in January 2025.
-
As a result, he is expected to miss the entire 2025 season, according to Browns’ official announcements.
-
The Browns’ decision to restructure his contract suggests they are keeping their options open — financially the team aims for flexibility; but on-field, his future as the starting quarterback is uncertain.
-
Given his injuries, past off-field issues, and the heavy cost paid in the trade, many analysts believe that unless Watson returns to top form, his tenure in Cleveland may be running out.
Why the Watson Saga Matters: Bigger Implications
-
The trade and contract represent a high-stakes gamble by the Browns — sacrificing premium draft capital for a quarterback whose tenure has been marred by suspensions, lawsuits (later dismissed or settled), and injuries.
-
The financial burden — a fully guaranteed $230M contract — has forced the Browns to use aggressive cap-management, including restructures and void years.
-
The trade is often cited as a cautionary tale in NFL front offices: when you give up multiple first-round picks and commit massive guaranteed money, the margin for error shrinks drastically.
