The clock is ticking for the Cleveland Browns to sort out what to do with Shedeur Sanders.
Even if the Browns keep four quarterbacks on their initial 53-man roster, they are not choosing a direction at quarterback by sitting Sanders and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel behind veteran journeyman Joe Flacco.
Viewed by some as more than a fifth-round quarterback, Sanders is an enticing trade asset. More calls have been made for Cleveland to make a move if they are not truly invested in a future with Sanders.
Most recently, the Las Vegas Raiders, who were connected to Sanders throughout the pre-draft process, have a pressing need at quarterback. Third-year quarterback Aidan O’Connell suffered a wrist fracture that will sideline him six to eight weeks, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Raiders head coach Pete Carroll sounded the sirens that Las Vegas is looking for a backup, and although his preference is “an experienced player who can help” the team, Sanders could be an ideal understudy to starter Geno Smith and could still start in a pinch.
“The Raiders should make a trade for Shedeur Sanders. Geno Smith would be the perfect mentor for Shedeur,” one fan replied, garnering over 100,000 views for his take on X (formerly Twitter). “Not to mention Tom Brady’s presence as minority owner.”
Browns QBs Emerge as Raiders Trade Targets
Sanders wasn’t alone in the Raiders trade chatter.
Nearly every quarterback who has played for the Browns over the past two seasons emerged in the comments of Schefter’s report.
One fan suggested Kenny Pickett, who has been inactive most of the summer with a hamstring injury but has the playing experience Carroll called for.
Tyler Huntley also surfaced, given the Browns’ release of him ahead of the Tuesday roster deadline.
However, the discourse largely centered on Sanders.
“I wasn’t on board until you got to the Tom Brady part,” one fan replied. “Pete Carroll had Russell Wilson running for his life behind a leaky o-line and Sanders can’t scramble half as well as Russell. Despite the epic one liners, I’m still not sold on the Geno Smith revival.”
Another fan likened Sanders to Smith, who, after a troubling start to his career with the New York Jets, has since emerged as a Pro Bowl talent.
“I like it. They are both efficient, accurate QBs that don’t have huge arms but make good decisions from the pocket,” the fan said. “Would be a great pairing.”
While the Raiders did pass on Sanders in the draft, their quarterback situation was different back then, and they could now acquire him at a potential discount.
Shedeur Sanders Speaks Out on Browns Roster Cuts
While the Browns have said they plan to carry four quarterbacks on the active roster, that is a taxing hold on valuable roster spots for several players who are unlikely to play a single snap this season.
That many quarterbacks in limbo has lent itself to the rampant trade rumors, although Sanders is unconcerned and focused on his future in Cleveland.
“Obviously,” Sanders said when asked if he belongs with the team. “I think, overall as a player, I’ve put in the work. I feel like everything I do, I try to do it to my best and that’s all I can ask for. Everybody feels like they should be on the team. If you ask anybody on the team, would they feel like they belong — they belong in their own eyes. I feel like I do, but I’m my own player. I think about myself in a high regard, of course. It’s not my decision.”
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Browns Trade Partner Emerges Amid Shedeur Sanders Standoff appeared first on Heavy Sports.