Shedeur Sanders draws trade interest as Browns weigh year 2 quarterback plans

Shedeur Sanders trade rumors: Cleveland Browns Year 2 QB’s availability enquired amid quarterback competition with Deshaun Watson (Image via Getty: Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson)

ESPN Cleveland radio host Tony Rizzo predicts all four Cleveland Browns quarterbacks – Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, Dillon Gabriel, and Taylen Green – may not go to camp on July 28th. One of them could be traded – there are ongoing calls and talks happening about Shedeur Sanders’ availability. The Browns may not be picturing him as their QB1. So, it’s Deshaun Watson now? Let’s find out.

Deshaun Watson favored over Shedeur Sanders by Cleveland insiders

In April 2026, Browns beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot declared her QB1 as Deshaun Watson. In early June 2026, when fans saw Shedeur Sanders throw passes better than anyone in the OTAs, they fell for his improvement. So much so that another Browns reporter, Ashley Bastock, wrote on X: “Sanders certainly did more than Deshaun today.

He had the throw of the day. This was undeniably the practice where we just saw Shedeur Sanders getting more opportunities with the ones.”By mid-June 2026, ESPN Cleveland shared a shocking tale of trade rumors swirling around Shedeur Sanders’ status. “There are talks, ongoing calls about the availability of Shedeur Sanders,” ESPN Cleveland radio host Tony Rizzo said. “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.’ Okay, okay, but I’m gonna say right now, for the record, I don’t think the four quarterbacks are going to camp on July 28th. Nothing is imminent. But the calls are being made. And I think it’s probably in the best interest of both parties here.”

Shedeur Sanders landing spots

If Shedeur Sanders gets traded from Cleveland, these are the top landing spots for the Year 2 quarterback. According to The Big Lead’s Michael Moraitis, 1. New York Jets – Geno Smith is not a long-term solution at 35 years old.2. Miami Dolphins – Malik Willis will be the starter but has insurance as Quinn Ewers.3. Arizona Cardinals – future uncertain as starter Jacoby Brissett has tense contract dispute.4. Indianapolis Colts – Daniel Jones is injury-prone.5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Baker Mayfield becomes a free agent in 2027.

According to former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant, 1. New Orleans Saints – “I think he[Shedeur Sanders]’s a franchise QB and getting him out of Cleveland will be a plus for him. The Saints would be a great fit for him,” Bryant posted on X.2. Arizona Cardinals – Sanders has more opportunity to start here with Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew, and Carson Beck in the QB room.