Browns May Be Ready to Move On From Shedeur Sanders Before He Ever Plays a Snap
The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation is once again in the spotlight — and this time, rookie Shedeur Sanders is at the center of it. Just months after the team selected him in the 2025 NFL Draft, reports suggest the Browns could trade Sanders before the November 4 trade deadline.
A Surprise Move in the Making
According to Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano, Cleveland may not see Sanders as part of its long-term plan. Despite showing promise, the rookie quarterback appears to have fallen out of favor with the coaching staff, who are reportedly more invested in fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel.
“The Browns might actually have something going with this promising 2025 draft class,” Manzano wrote, pointing to players like running back Quinshon Judkins, linebacker Carson Schwesinger, and defensive tackle Mason Graham. “However, the team might not view rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the same light… especially because the team has favored rookie starting quarterback Dillon Gabriel.”
If true, the Browns could explore trade options for Sanders before the deadline — a move that would shock fans and raise serious questions about the team’s direction.
Pressure Mounts on Kevin Stefanski
Trading Sanders would be a risky play for head coach Kevin Stefanski, whose job security has already been under scrutiny. Many Browns fans and local media members have been calling for Sanders to get a shot under center, even before the regular season began.
If Cleveland moves him without ever giving him a chance to prove himself, the backlash could be intense — and possibly career-threatening for Stefanski.
On the other hand, such a trade might also ease the pressure temporarily. Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry appear to have more faith in Gabriel as a long-term prospect, and moving Sanders could simplify the depth chart.
Earlier this week, Stefanski explained why Sanders hasn’t been getting first-team practice reps:
“With a young quarterback, with Dillon starting, you want to make sure he gets a lot of reps,” he told reporters. “Different when you have a veteran like Joe [Flacco]. But [Sanders is] still getting reps in a bunch of periods.”
So far, Gabriel has managed the offense efficiently, avoiding turnovers and playing a safe, controlled game. However, with just one win in three starts, his performance hasn’t exactly inspired confidence that he’s the long-term answer in Cleveland.
A Thin Trade Market for Sanders
Even if the Browns want to move Sanders, the return might not justify the deal. Cleveland traded up in the draft to select him early in the fifth round. Since then, he’s yet to play a single snap — and his value hasn’t increased.
The Browns’ recent quarterback trades haven’t helped their leverage either. They sent Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders for a fifth-round pick and dealt veteran Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals for a fifth and sixth-rounder.
Trading Sanders now for a similar return would make little sense — especially after investing draft capital and publicity into acquiring him. Such a move could appear impulsive and directionless, reinforcing the criticism that the Browns’ front office lacks stability.
Few Teams Likely to Bite
Finding a trade partner for Sanders could also be difficult. Teams like the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, and Las Vegas Raiders might be potential fits — but none seem eager to take on another unproven rookie.
The Jets and Raiders both passed on Sanders multiple times during the draft, and eight weeks into the season, he hasn’t produced any new film to change their minds.
Miami, meanwhile, has its own challenges. After benching Tua Tagovailoa in Week 8 and facing the prospect of a rebuild, the Dolphins may be more interested in shedding contracts than adding developmental players.
In short, the market for Sanders is thin — and any potential return would likely be minimal.
Bigger Implications for Cleveland’s Future
A premature trade of Shedeur Sanders could have ripple effects far beyond the quarterback room. The move would raise questions about Cleveland’s talent evaluation, its coaching philosophy, and its long-term plan under Kevin Stefanski and Andrew Berry.
With the fanbase already skeptical after the disastrous Deshaun Watson deal, another high-profile quarterback misstep could be disastrous for the franchise’s credibility.
If the Browns truly believe Gabriel is their guy, they’ll need results soon. Otherwise, fans may start demanding another rebuild — one that could cost Stefanski and Berry their jobs.
Conclusion
The Browns have been a revolving door for quarterbacks for years, and the latest speculation surrounding Shedeur Sanders only adds to the chaos. Trading him before he ever takes the field would be a bold, and possibly reckless, decision.
For now, the rookie remains on the roster — but with the trade deadline fast approaching and internal confidence seemingly low, his future in Cleveland is anything but certain.
Whether Sanders stays or goes, one thing is clear: the Browns are running out of time — and excuses — to finally find stability under center.
