There is growing belief in some NFL circles that Shedeur Sanders could be traded by the Cleveland Browns before they hold their practice camp on July 28.
The quarterback started seven games for the team last season after becoming the main story of the 2025 NFL Draft. Many predicted him to be taken in the first round with some even saying he should be the first pick after his college career in Colorado.
Eventually, the Browns took him in round five with the 144th overall pick. After biding his time, Sanders recording 1,400 passing yards and seven touchdowns, as well as 10 interceptions in his rookie year on a struggling team.
But Cleveland have four quarterbacks on their roster in Sanders, fellow 2025 draft pick Dillon Gabriel, Deshaun Watson and 2026 pick Taylen Green. Sanders is currently battling Watson for the No. 1 role while it has been suggested that at some stage, new Browns head coach Todd Monken will cut that number down to three.
And according to multiple reports, it might be Sanders who eventually makes way.
‘There are talks, ongoing calls, about the availability of Shedeur Sanders,’ said ESPN Cleveland radio host Tony Rizzo. ‘The Browns, for whatever reason, don’t think he is the guy. I am going to say right now for the record that I don’t think the four quarterbacks are going to camp on July 28.
Shedeur Sanders could be traded by the Cleveland Browns if he is not their No. 1 quarterback
Sanders started seven times for the Browns in 2025 after sliding to the fifth round of the draft
‘Nothing is imminent but the calls are being made and I think it is probably in the best interests of both parties here.’
Then, Cleveland.com reported that while the Browns are happy to continue the battle between Sanders and Watson in training camp, Sanders could still eventually leave.
‘It doesn’t mean the Browns have ruled out trading Sanders at the end of camp,’ the report said. ‘Everyone has a price, and the Browns would undoubtedly listen to offers for him if Watson wins the starting job.
‘They’ll also undoubtedly listen to offers for Dillon Gabriel depending on how the competition shakes out.’
Watson is on a full-guaranteed $230million deal with the Browns which he signed in 2022. He did not play at all in 2025 due to a torn Achilles.
Monken hasn’t committed to naming a starter yet but he did hint back in March that as it stands, Watson leads the way.
‘Anytime that you have a player that at one time has exhibited the skill set at an elite level, I think you’re always going to give them the benefit of the doubt that somehow we might be able to get that out of him again,’ he said.
The Browns start the 2026 season against Jacksonville Jaguars on September 13.
