The latest Cleveland Browns trade rumors are set to intensify with the NFL Training Camp next month, as the team could move on from Shedeur Sanders after one season. Sanders, a former fifth-round pick, joined a QB room with an uphill battle between Dillon Gabriel, Kenny Pickett and veteran Joe Flacco. After serving as a backup for nine games, the young Pro Bowler got his first start in a full-time role in Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens. Unfortunately, it was too late for the team to establish a reliable chemistry between Sanders and his offensive playmakers.
The second-year QB never had a really decent chance, finishing the 2025 season with a 56.6% completion percentage, 1,400 passing yards, seven passing touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and one rushing touchdown. While he shows potential, it’s hard to see the Browns moving on so soon. However, ESPN Cleveland’s Tony Rizzo doesn’t believe the Browns have faith in Sanders. After one season, Cleveland is supposedly moving him before the 2026 season:
“The Browns, for whatever reason, don’t think he’s the guy. That’s my opinion and I’m sure they’ll say, ‘What are you talking about? He’s in a quarterback battle.’ But I’m going to say right now for the record, I don’t think the 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,” he said.
Browns Trade Rumors: $1.0M Pro Bowler Set for Massive Market
Is This Fair for Sanders?
Of course not. The Browns never gave the QB a decent shot, and the same can be said about Gabriel, too. However, arguably, the former Colorado product outplayed Gabriel despite the circumstances on offense. The QB barely had a real offensive line while dealing with an aerial attack that barely had stardom. The Browns really only had Jerry Jeudy and rookie TE Harold Fanin Jr. as their top pass-catchers.
Cedric Tillman was a solid slot, but after drafting Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion, it looks like the team is open to moving Tillman. Meanwhile, if Sanders leaves Cleveland, it would come down between Gabriel and veteran Deshaun Watson to battle for the top starting spot. It’d be a huge blow to the Browns’ new regime led by head coach Todd Monken, but that would be the reality if Cleveland feels like the former Colorado product is no longer the right fit.
Does a Trade Work?
Yes, it’d buy Sanders the freedom to join a team as a backup where he could fully develop, as long as the next roster gives him a solid offense. There are plenty of teams that will be chasing him if the Browns make him available. For Cleveland, it only means the team gave up way too soon. The Browns haven’t had a decent leader of their offense since the Baker Mayfield era, who led this team to a postseason when Myles Garrett was still around before being traded this offseason, too.
With this, let’s explore two teams that could save Sanders’ career and position him to have one of the most illustrious careers in the league and silence the doubters.
Potential Fits
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts being a destination for Sanders seems like a smart decision if he gets his choice. After seeing Daniel Jones thrive in an offense that contained Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce, this could revive the former Colorado product’s career. As long as the Colts find a veteran WR replacement after trading Pittman, the offense should be in serious business between Pierce and Josh Downs.
Jones will still get the start, but it’d allow the young QB to learn from a veteran and soon take over if needed as a possible starter. Anthony Richardson will probably be cut, so this would create room for the Browns’ Pro Bowler.
Carolina Panthers
Meanwhile, another interesting destination is the Carolina Panthers. The team hasn’t fully committed to Bryce Young despite the season he just had last year. The team drafted speedy receiver Chris Brazzell while locking in WR Jalen Coker to a long-term deal. Tetairoa McMillan is set to break out for the 2026 season, so this should give Young a leg up in contract negotiations if he performs well.
There aren’t any more excuses for Young as he has the offense and defense to create him opportunities. If he can’t live up to the moment, they could call in Sanders from Cleveland to roll the dice on him behind free agent acquisition Kenny Pickett.
