The Cleveland Browns are expected to be sellers at the trade deadline, which is no surprise given their 2-5 record. What would be surprising, however, is if rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is among the names being floated in trade discussions.
Sanders, a fifth-round pick, has steadily climbed the depth chart to become the primary backup behind fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel. The Browns’ 2025 draft class has been one of the team’s bright spots, but according to Gilberto Manzano of Sports Illustrated, Cleveland could consider parting ways with Sanders — a move that would undoubtedly raise eyebrows across the league.
“The Browns might actually have something going with this promising 2025 draft class, which includes running back Quinshon Judkins, linebacker Carson Schwesinger and defensive tackle Mason Graham,” Manzano said. “However, the team might not view rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the same light as the aforementioned rookies, especially because the team has favored rookie starting quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Don’t be shocked if Sanders is moved before the deadline.”
Browns May Be Tempted to Play Shedeur Sanders
The Browns traded veteran quarterback Joe Flacco earlier this season after he lost his starting job, sending him within the division to the Cincinnati Bengals. That cleared the way for Gabriel and Sanders to see some action.
Gabriel has gone 1-2 and has done little to show he can be the quarterback of the future in Cleveland. If he continues to struggle, Sanders would be next up. And his opportunity could come sooner than later.
“With Sanders coming up the learning curve quickly, and displaying his natural arm talent every day in practice, Gabriel must show that he can run an explosive passing attack, or the Browns will be tempted to see what their other rookie can do sooner than perhaps they want to,” Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot said.
It seems unlikely that the Browns would move on from the polarizing fifth-round pick before giving him a real opportunity to prove himself. Owner Jimmy Haslam has emphasized the importance of evaluating their young quarterbacks before next year’s draft, a crucial one for Cleveland, as the team holds two first-round selections.
Browns Trading Shedeur Sanders Would Be Admitting Defeat
The Browns’ decision to draft Sanders was surprising, especially considering they selected Gabriel just a few rounds earlier. Cleveland has maintained that it’s committed to Sanders’ development, and trading him now would amount to an admission of a misstep.
On top of that, it’s hard to imagine another team giving up assets for a rookie quarterback who has yet to see the field.
“You would be admitting you shouldn’t have drafted him. There are people in the building who want to see him play,” Browns reporter Tony Grossi said on Friday. “That’s why it would be shocking to me. What would be surprising to me is if, at this stage of the season, a team would be interested in acquiring a rookie quarterback who has not played this season.”
The Browns head to New England this week to take on the Patriots. The team will head into its bye week after that and could consider another quarterback change. The NFL trade deadline is Nov. 4.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Browns Rookie QB Shedeur Sanders Linked to Potential Trade appeared first on Heavy Sports.