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Deshaun Watson's Lavish Bachelor Bash Draws Eyes as Browns Future Remains in Flux
© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

While the Cleveland Browns navigate a four-man quarterback competition in minicamp, the man with the $230 million contract, former Clemson QB Deshaun Watson, is making headlines for his off-field extravagance.

Watson, who is working his way back from a season-ending Achilles injury, recently celebrated his upcoming marriage to longtime girlfriend Jilly Anais with a viral bachelor party in Miami. Details reported by TMZ showcased the quarterback indulging in luxury sports cars and a five-figure dinner that included football-shaped beef wellingtons and bottles of Cristal Rosé, reportedly ringing up a $20,000 tab.

The celebration caught fire on social media, with NFL aggregator Dov Kleiman noting, "Watson embodies the 'work-hard, play-hard' mentality."

The "play-hard" aspect comes as Watson's ability to "work-hard" on the field remains a significant question mark for the Browns. The 29-year-old quarterback is recovering from a ruptured Achilles that required a second surgery in January. While he has recently shed his walking boot and resumed light throwing with personal coach Quincy Avery, his timeline for a full return is still uncertain.

"I think it’s a fun challenge, just cause we starting from ground zero," Watson said recently about his recovery process. "Obviously, I don’t wanna be hurt, but at the same time, using this moment to really focus on the details that I wouldn’t focus on if I was rushing back."

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As Watson focuses on those details, his team is evaluating its options under center. With Watson sidelined, veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, along with rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, are all taking reps, creating a wide-open competition for the starting job.

Despite his inability to practice, Watson has remained a presence at the team facility. He was spotted watching red zone drills during Tuesday's minicamp session, and rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders confirmed Watson's engagement in team meetings.

"Deshaun, of course, he’s active in there," Sanders said in May. "He’s in all the meetings. It’s cool talking to him."

The juxtaposition of a lavish Miami party with his uncertain status in Cleveland highlights the precarious situation for both Watson and the Browns. The team has invested a historic, fully guaranteed $230 million in a quarterback who has played in just 12 games over two seasons, missing significant time due to a suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy and, most recently, major injury.

While Watson enjoys the run-up to his wedding, the Browns are left to watch and wait, hoping their franchise quarterback can return to the form that commanded a king's ransom, even as they prepare for a future that may not have him at the center of it.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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