As Shedeur Sanders prepares for his second year with the Cleveland Browns, uncertainty surrounds his role on the team. Many observers are questioning whether the young quarterback will secure the starting position for the upcoming 2026 NFL season or remain in a backup capacity.
The competition with veteran Deshaun Watson has drawn significant attention from league analysts, with no clear resolution yet from the coaching staff.
Head coach Todd Monken has deliberately avoided naming a starter, leaving the door open for continued evaluation during training camp and preseason. This cautious approach reflects the high stakes involved in deciding the franchise’s signal-caller moving forward. Recent reports from NFL media outlets have highlighted the ongoing tussle between the two quarterbacks, adding layers of speculation to the situation.
Former NFL wide receiver Chad Ochocinco shared intriguing insights into how the Browns’ quarterback situation might unfold. According to Ochocinco, Watson is expected to begin the 2026 season as the team’s starting quarterback for the initial six weeks. Should Watson struggle during that stretch, Sanders would step in and assume the starting duties for the remainder of the campaign.
This arrangement, though not yet officially confirmed by the organization, raises immediate questions about Sanders’ long-term standing in Cleveland. With Watson slotted into the top spot early on, the possibility of a trade for the former standout has surfaced as a realistic consideration among insiders.
Tony Rizzo of ESPN Cleveland Radio addressed the buzz surrounding Sanders’ availability.
“There are talks and ongoing calls about the availability of Shedeur Sanders,” Rizzo said.
These discussions suggest that other franchises are actively monitoring the situation and reaching out to gauge potential interest.
If a trade does materialize, Sanders would likely seek an opportunity where he can compete for a starting job rather than settling for a reserve role elsewhere. Remaining a backup on another roster would defeat the purpose of leaving Cleveland, where he already holds a familiar position within the system. Landing spots that could offer a clearer path to playing time would naturally appeal more to the young passer.
Several teams stand out as potential suitors should the Browns decide to move him. Organizations like the Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, and Indianapolis Colts might view Sanders as a viable upgrade capable of stepping into a starting role. In scenarios where he transitions to a backup position on a new team, clubs such as the Green Bay Packers, Baltimore Ravens, or Washington Commanders could express interest in bolstering their depth charts.
While a trade remains far from certain, the mere presence of calls from interested parties keeps the possibility alive. NFL history is filled with unexpected roster moves, proving that even unlikely developments can occur under the right circumstances.
Should Cleveland opt to deal Sanders prior to the start of the 2026 season, the roster dynamics would shift noticeably. Watson would solidify his position as the early-season starter, while quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green would likely earn spots on the final 53-man roster. This scenario could open the door for additional depth acquisitions.
One intriguing wildcard involves Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who could be selected by the Browns in the NFL Supplemental Draft. Adding Sorsby would almost certainly accelerate efforts to trade Sanders, given the sudden influx of young talent at the position and the need to manage roster space effectively.
Interest from other teams underscores Sanders’ value around the league, yet Cleveland’s commitment to Watson as the initial starter has sparked debate. Some analysts question whether relying on the veteran represents the optimal path, especially considering the organization’s track record of instability at quarterback.
Regardless of short-term decisions, the Browns appear destined to address the position again in the 2027 NFL Draft, with general manager Andrew Berry and his staff tasked with identifying a long-term solution. The coming weeks will prove critical in determining Sanders’ trajectory, as the franchise navigates a delicate balance between immediate needs and future development.
