CLEVELAND BROWNS
Cleveland Browns

Did the Cleveland Browns draft Shedeur Sanders to use him in a future trade?

NFL insider believes Cleveland were thinking ahead with surprise round-five selection

A graphic is shown after the Cleveland Browns select Shedeur Sanders...
A graphic is shown after the Cleveland Browns select Shedeur Sanders in round 5 on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL DraftLAPRESSE
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As the Cleveland Browns prepare for the 2025 season, one of the most pressing challenges they face is determining their quarterback depth.

With five quarterbacks currently on the roster-Joe Flacco, Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, Kenny Pickett, and Deshaun Watson-the team has a crowded quarterback room that will need to be whittled down in the coming months.

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It's clear that Cleveland won't be carrying all five quarterbacks into the regular season. The preseason and training camp will be crucial for evaluating each player's performance. The Browns are expected to keep only three or four quarterbacks on the final roster, making the decisions during camp incredibly important.

While veteran Joe Flacco, with his Super Bowl experience, provides stability, the focus will likely fall on the younger quarterbacks: Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and Kenny Pickett. Given their potential to develop into future stars, one of them may be the odd man out. Whether through trade or release, the Browns will need to make room for the best options moving forward.

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Of the younger quarterbacks, Shedeur Sanders has drawn the most attention. The highly touted former Jackson State and Colorado star has impressed scouts and analysts alike.

Sanders completed 70.1% of his es in college, totaling 14,347 yards, 134 touchdowns, and only 27 interceptions. While his arm strength may not be extraordinary, his accuracy, decision-making, and leadership qualities have earned him a lot of praise.

Despite some doubts about his ability to transition to the NFL, Sanders brings a high football IQ and confidence to the table, which could make him a valuable long-term asset for the Browns. However, whether he's able to showcase those skills during training camp and preseason will determine if he's part of Cleveland's future.

Do Cleveland's future plans include a blockbuster trade?

With so many quarterbacks on the roster, trade rumors have already begun circulating. ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler suggests that the Browns might consider moving one of their younger quarterbacks-Gabriel, Sanders, or Pickett-in order to recoup draft picks.

Cleveland gave up a third-round pick and two fifth-rounders to acquire Sanders, Gabriel, and Pickett, so the possibility of trading one of them to gain some capital back could be appealing.

"Perhaps the Browns can get a pick back for one of them," Fowler added, hinting at the potential for roster changes before the season.

If Sanders, Gabriel, or Pickett fail to impress in camp, Cleveland could move on from them, strengthening their draft position.

The Browns have a significant decision to make in the coming months. While Watson is securely entrenched as the starting quarterback, the backup spots-and potentially the future of the franchise-are still up for grabs.

If Sanders shows that he's ready for NFL action, he could earn a place on the team and compete for playing time in the future. However, if the Browns feel that another quarterback offers more immediate value or potential, they may choose to move on from Sanders or one of the other young players.

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