Training camp for the Cleveland Browns doesn’t begin until mid-July, but the news cycle doesn’t stop. As it stands, the current quarterback room is below average, based on past performance. Deshaun Watson hasn’t played close to what he did with the Houston Texans. Shedeur Sanders is entering his second year, but his rookie season didn’t show enough for the team to warrant a long-term commitment. Dillon Gabriel’s ceiling has been established as a backup, and Taylen Green is a development project.
A room filled with many questions and not a lot of talent. It doesn’t stop the trade rumors from circulating.
Earlier on Monday, trade rumors surrounding quarterback Shedeur Sanders materialized.
Rumors are different from reports. Rumors can turn into reports with credible backing, or the rumors end up not gaining any traction. Here is what we know from the information gathered surrounding Sanders, and if a trade is possible:
- There is a difference between talks and calls in terms of trades. “Talks” are essentially discussions that could grow into a deal, while “calls” are teams calling about specific players but do not rise to the level of “talks.”
- It’s possible that the Browns are initiating calls instead of receiving calls about Sanders. “His market is low because the tape last season wasn’t spectacular.”
- One team that has an interest in Sanders is the San Francisco 49ers.
- The odds of Sanders getting moved would have increased if the Browns were to draft quarterback Brendan Sorsby in the upcoming NFL Supplemental Draft, which is now off the table.
- The chatter around the league surrounding Sanders is more about him being a “project that needs to be developed.”
The Browns aren’t committed to any quarterback in this current room. If they were, there wouldn’t be a QB competition, the trade of Myles Garrett, and even hints of “talks” would be shut down quickly. Minicamp and mandatory OTA’s do not tell us a lot about this competition, but training camp and joint practices will.
The rumors can be something, or they can be nothing. In the Browns case, you never know. Considering how Sanders was a fifth-round pick and his rookie tape hasn’t done anything to warrant a long-term commitment, it wouldn’t be surprising if Cleveland were willing to move off of Sanders.
The NFL is fluid; anything can change, but these rumors should be considered “calls,” not “talks” for now.
