That is the opinion of Redskins hero Joe Theismann.
Washington took Haskins with the 15th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft and the quarterback from Ohio State was given the iconic No 7 jersey, a decision which was given its blessing by Theismann as it was his former number.
Theismann, who took the Redskins to two Super Bowls, winning one and losing one, feels the team should protect their talented quarterback and not play him at all in his rookie year, the same way the Kansas City Chiefs did with Patrick Mahomes.
“To me, the best scenario for Dwayne would be this – is to sit this year,” Theismann said to the Washington Times.
“Case [Keenum] plays, Colt [McCoy] comes back, is healthy enough to be able to be in competition and/or a part of the ball club.
“And give Dwayne a chance to process everything.”
Redskins head coach Jay Gruden has stated Haskins has a chance to start Week 1 given his strong arm, accuracy and big-play capability.
But how the rookie deals with training camp, along with Keenum or McCoy could determine who starts the season.
Washington have the option to utilise 35-year-old quarterback Alex Smith to mentor Haskins, like he did for Mahomes in Kansas, however the veteran player is still recovering from the season-ending compound fracture he suffered midway through the 2018 season.
There is no doubt Smith can pass on his experience when it comes to plays and reading the game but the quarterback still has a long way to go on his own journey to full recovery.
“There are steps I’ve got to conquer before I get there… Learning to run again,” Smith said.
“That’s a big one. I’m already throwing. Throwing isn’t a problem, but dropping, moving around, change of direction.
“The steps I’m at now are lifestyle steps. I’m still working on playing basketball with my kids and running around after my daughter.
“Those are things I have to conquer anyway until I get to the point where I’m walking on the field.”
Even if the Redskins can’t utilise Smith on the field this year, Theismann believes it would be a disaster to start Haskins from the beginning of the season.
The Redskins have a tough opening schedule with their first game on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles, after which they face the Dallas Cowboys and then the Chicago Bears.
“To put him out there early against those teams, it’s just a formula for disaster for the team, for Jay [Gruden], for the fans and everybody else,” Theismann added.
“I think the young man is our future, and let’s protect the future, instead of throwing it out there right now and saying, ‘Okay, go get ’em.’
“The schedule we’re playing is not a ‘go get ’em’ schedule.”