While it may not be the be-all-and-end-all in the NFL anymore, the quarterback position always gets an outsized amount of attention. The search for a long-term franchise quarterback continues for the Cleveland Browns. Few, if any, believe that QB Deshaun Watson will ever fulfill the value that the Browns paid to acquire him in a trade, much less his huge contract.
Second-year QB Shedeur Sanders seems more likely to replace Watson as the starter in 2026 than the potentially short-lived idea of Watson signing
a contract extension.
Sanders’ future all of a sudden became part of rumors after the young QB hired an agent for the first time in the NFL. After a poor rookie season and losing out to Watson in this year’s quarterback competition, it is possible that Sanders is looking for a fresh start away from Cleveland. It is equally possible that Sanders is just getting ahead of things to be prepared no matter what happens in the future, whether that is at the NFL trade deadline or beyond that.
According to Jonathan Jones of The Athletic, Browns GM Andrew Berry is fond of the young quarterback, making it less likely that he would trade him away:
If Sanders is seeking a trade, that might be difficult. Berry is said to have a great affection for Sanders, whom he took a chance on 18 months ago while the rest of the NFL passed over him several times. Sanders was one of the worst starting quarterbacks last season, by several metrics, among qualified passers, but he showed growth in the preseason and training camp.
Jones went even further, calling it a “stunner” if it were to happen:
There is belief in Sanders and his ability. He’s also on a fifth-round rookie contract for another two-plus years. Berry’s current starting quarterback is not under contract beyond this season and has a history of injuries. Blanket caveat that anything can happen over the next few weeks, but the Browns dealing Sanders by the deadline would be a stunner.
What do you think about Berry’s rumored affection for Sanders? Do you think the Browns would turn down a reasonable trade offer for the quarterback?
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