With NFL trade rumors picking up steam in Cleveland, the Browns could consider trading at least one of their quarterbacks before the 2026 season. NFL Training Camp is just around the corner, but as Cleveland will have competition in their quarterback room, it’s possible they could move at least one potential starter. The most obvious trade candidate in this article is Shedeur Sanders, who’s been named in several rumors over the past few weeks. Veteran Deshaun Watson is projected to be the Week 1 starter this season, and while it doesn’t mean they’ll move on from Sanders, it’s still something to watch.
It’s been reported that the Browns moving on from the Pro Bowler would be “foolish.” It would be rightfully so, but how can Sanders fit into Todd Monken’s new scheme? It depends on how he can thrive in the latest system and if he’s better off joining another team. Selected as a fifth-round pick, the former Colorado product was supposed to be a first-round selection last year. It was until teams felt that the QB had maturity issues and may not succeed in the league.
NFL Trade Rumors: Top Proposed Packages for $4.6M Pro Bowler
The former Pro Bowler proved otherwise. While he didn’t lead Cleveland to its first postseason appearance since the Baker Mayfield era, the QB showed a lot of promise. A lot can be blamed on the supporting cast that the QB had, which led to the firing of former head coach Kevin Stefanski. However, no one should anticipate the team moving Sanders unless the Browns like what they see in Dillon Gabriel and Watson in training camp.
It’d be unusual for an NFL team to move on from a QB after just one season. If a trade happens, it would be during the 2026 campaign. Let’s explore three potential packages/teams that would be willing to get Sanders.
Possible Fits
Carolina Panthers
QB Bryce Young is entering a crucial 2026 season after the Carolina Panthers picked up his fifth-year option. While the team wants him long-term, they aren’t sold on giving him an extension until at least after the upcoming campaign. Young is coming off his best NFL season, but it wasn’t long before he was benched two years ago, when former Panthers QB Andy Dalton stepped in and took over as the starter. With Kenny Pickett signed under a one-year contract now, Young’s job is still somewhat in jeopardy.
The pressure is on this season, and even if they start Pickett during the 2026 season, they could call the Browns for backup help. Carolina might be willing to send Tershawn Wharton and a 2027 sixth-round selection for Sanders. It would give Cleveland a chance to rebuild after moving on from Myles Garrett and continue stabilizing their defense.
Indianapolis Colts
Meanwhile, QB Daniel Jones is also in the same boat. While the Colts signed Jones to a two-year contract, it doesn’t mean he will replicate the same season he had last year. Jones is coming off a season-ending injury, and the ailment might still be a concern. With Anthony Richardson looking for a fresh start, the Browns and Colts can simply swap QB’s and a late-round 2027 selection to give both potential starters a clean slate.
Atlanta Falcons
Despite signing Tua Tagovailoa, the Atlanta Falcons probably have one of the worst QB units in the league. Michael Penix Jr., Tagovailoa and new head coach Kevin Stefanski just sounds like a recipe for disaster. If the Falcons wind up firing Stefanski during the 2026 season, they could explore a complete reset. If this team wants to consider all options on the table, they should probably turn to Sanders, who can compete for the starting job.
Who could the Falcons give up? Perhaps safety Jessie Bates is an intriguing name that could help Grant Delpit in the Browns’ secondary.
