The Cleveland Browns are considering trade offers for second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders, according to ESPN Cleveland. The development comes amid an ongoing competition for starting quarterback, with Sanders and veteran Deshaun Watson vying for the position as the preseason approaches.
What happened
This week, ESPN Cleveland host Tony Rizzo reported that the Browns are open to listening to trade offers for Sanders. Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com suggested that while Sanders has pulled even with Watson in the competition, the team’s decision-making indicates they may consider deals involving Sanders if he cannot secure the starting role. “Offers for Sanders would ‘undoubtedly’ be heard if he doesn’t win the starting battle,” Cabot remarked.[2]
The quarterback situation in Cleveland has grown more complex following the drafting of Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green in April 2026. Green, praised for his rushing ability and strong arm, adds depth to a competitive quarterback room that also includes veteran Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel, who recently lost his starting position to Sanders.[3]
Why it matters
The Browns’ quarterback situation holds significant implications for the team’s future. Should Sanders not win the starting job, trading him could yield valuable draft capital, particularly as the team seeks to secure a top passer in the 2027 NFL Draft. Furthermore, the performance of the quarterbacks in the preseason will heavily influence their immediate and long-term futures in Cleveland.[1]
Background
On October 2024, Deshaun Watson last took the field, sidelined by two Achilles surgeries. After Watson’s injuries, Sanders stepped in as the starter for the final eight games of the 2025 season, showcasing his potential. The competition intensified in April 2026 when the Browns selected Green during the draft, changing the dynamics among the quarterbacks.
What’s next
The Browns will continue evaluating their quarterbacks during training camp and joint practices with the Buffalo Bills. A clear starting quarterback may emerge before the preseason games commence, with significant decisions expected in the next few weeks.
