Who Should I Start? Deshaun Watson or Jarrett Stidham

Thursday, April 10, 7:45 PM

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) posted an Instagram video this week of him working out in Browns gear with a message for the doubters. "Everyone don't think I can get back to where I was. But I know...I'm gonna be way better than before." Watson's time as a Brown has been forgettable, with injuries and off-field issues marring his tenure with the team, and we'll have to wait longer than expected to see him again. After re-rupturing his Achilles tendon in early January, the 29-year-old is slated to miss significant time in the 2025 campaign. The Clemson product was once on an early-career superstar trajectory with the Texans. However, he's yet to recapture even an iota of his former success since holding out with Houston in 2021. Whether Watson will be a viable fantasy asset again remains to be seen, and he'll have some work to do before getting another shot on the field. It wouldn't be surprising if we didn't see him return to action in 2025.

Sunday, March 9, 9:09 PM

The NFL's Ian Rapoport reports that the Denver Broncos are bringing back quarterback Jarrett Stidham on a two-year $12 million contract with $7 million guaranteed. The 28-year-old spent the last two seasons with the team, appearing in seven games. However, he did not attempt a pass in 2024 and served solely as a backup to rookie sensation Bo Nix. Stidham figures to occupy that role again in 2025 -- barring Nix's health -- and reportedly would have garnered significant interest as a potential backup on the open market. However, the Broncos sought to lock up their second-string option with extensive knowledge of the team's current system. The Auburn product can be safely avoided for fantasy purposes sans a bench stash in deep superflex dynasty formats.