Tom Savage is not the long-term option for the Houston Texans at quarterback.

When GM Rick Smith basically traded away his next two first round picks for the Cleveland Browns to pick up Brock Osweiler’s horrendous contract, it was all but clear he was in the market to find the long-term option at quarterback somewhere in 2017. After missing out on grabbing Tony Romo and refusing to deal with the media fiasco that is known as Jay Cutler, Smith put all the eggs in the basket to move up 13 spots and select Clemson quarterback DeShaun Watson.

He arrived coming off a two-time appearance to the Heisman Trophy ceremony, consecutive trips to the National Championship-winning one against the top-ranked defense in America. In a way, when Watson stepped onto the stage to meet Commissioner Goodell, it felt to many like their prayers had finally been answered in Houston.

As a native Houstonian for nearly 22 years, seeing Watson put on the classic Deep Steel Blue jersey for the first time was a bone-chilling feeling. I remember looking over from my dining room table as my twin brother, clad in his Liberty White J.J. Watt jersey, weeping tears of joy for a team he has supported since the franchise began in 2002.

All seemed right in the “Space City” that night, the rocket was launched and Watson was headed to the stars.

Spoiler alert: Watson’s rocket will still have mechanical issues when the Jaguars enter NRG Stadium on September, 10th. He’ll be still sitting on the bench waiting for the green light from the staff for all-systems-go.

As he should be.

Even with the battles of OTA’s looking neck and neck, Savage has been spotted taking first-team reps while Watson is still developing under O’Brien.

The controversy of the great battle that will peruse between Savage and Watson this summer to the naked eye might seem like it’s neck and neck. The fact is, it’s not even close; Savage is the clear front runner.

While Watson may take reps this summer throwing the ball to DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller, don’t expect to see him slinging that hallowed bow and arrow touchdown celebration early in 2017. There are multiple reasons why Savage is the front runner and it’s more than just age.