Let’s start this off with a few questions: If DeShaun Watson has a good 2026 with 4,000 yards and 30TDs would you re-sign him to another large contract?? You do realize this is the 5th and final year of his $230 million contract that has embarrassed the brass of this organization. If your answer is no you wouldn’t why would you start him? What is the upside??

The desire to end their status as a laughingstock of an organization alone should have them start Sanders. The other reason is the status and stature announcing Sanders is the starter will infuse confidence in him that he has a chance to grow into the position without totally looking over his shoulder.

Once you get past the stats its about where can a player grow to from where we are. We still have the preseason and a chance for Sanders to grow off the field with the projected starters in a complete season of rebuild out on Lake Erie. How much can he improve the rest of the preseason as a starter and over the season with a 24 year old player?

Allow him the chance to flourish from a leadership perspective with the youth movement happening among offensive players in their 1st & 2nd year. His voice in the locker room will have weight and he should be able to play more free without fearing every mistake will cause him to be replaced.

Once we’re in season and Sanders play isn’t going well or you’re not seeing the progression expected, then you can pull him for an experienced Watson.

Just a thought…