Shedeur Sanders and the Cleveland Browns endured a disappointing 2025 NFL season, finishing 5-12 and missing the playoffs once again. However, the Browns will look to turn things around in 2026 despite no longer having Myles Garrett, opening the new season against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1.
Sanders began his rookie year as a backup, with Joe Flacco and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel getting the starting nod for the first 10 games. But in Week 12, the former Colorado star got his chance, becoming Cleveland’s starting quarterback for the final seven games. Sanders led the Browns to a 3-4 record, completing 120 of 212 passes for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
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However, heading into the 2026 season, the Browns have had four quarterbacks competing for playing time during voluntary and mandatory minicamps. Along with Sanders, the other three are Deshaun Watson, Gabriel and sixth-round rookie Taylen Green. And it appears Cleveland may look to trade one of its quarterbacks before training camp begins in late July.
On Monday, ESPN Cleveland’s Tony Rizzo reported that Sanders could, in fact, be the quarterback the Browns are looking to trade, noting there have been “talks” and “ongoing calls” regarding Sanders’ availability.
“There are talks and ongoing calls about the availability of Shedeur Sanders,” Rizzo said. “The Browns, for whatever reason, don’t think he’s the guy. That’s my opinion. And I’m sure those saying, ‘What are you talking about? He’s in a quarterback battle.’ Okay, okay. But I’m going to say right now for the record, I don’t think that four quarterbacks are going to camp on July 28. I don’t. Nothing is imminent, but the calls are being made. And I think it’s probably in the best interest of both parties here.”
"There are talks and ongoing calls about the availability of Shedeur Sanders," – Rizz's antenna is UP about the Browns QB situation right now 👀👀👀 pic.twitter.com/T6XyD4jffl
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) June 22, 2026
The Browns will open the 2026 NFL season against the Jaguars on Sunday, Sept. 13, at 1:00 p.m. ET.
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