After four games, the Cleveland Browns are experiencing what many might not have imagined this early in the season: a winning record and a tie for the AFC North lead. Their latest victory came after Deshaun Watson led his team to a late-game win over Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. With that, Watson is 3-1 as the Browns' starting quarterback, weeks after earning the spot despite some fans and critics expressing frustration about the decision.
Some believed younger backup Shedeur Sanders should have received the nod, after starting for the team in seven games last season and going 3-4. However, new head coach Todd Monken put his faith in the veteran Watson, who is receiving a lot of money to play quarterback in Cleveland. More news: Jason Kelce Makes Surprising Slip-up While Calling Commanders Game in London With that, speculation has emerged about Sanders' fate in Cleveland, with the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders considered a potential trade target.
According to ESPN's Dan Graziano, Sanders "could be interesting to teams looking for a developmental QB who needs a change of scenery." After playing for his father at Colorado, the Browns selected Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round of last year's NFL Draft, and while they used him last season amid Watson's recovery from injury, it seems he could be traded before they trade one of their other two quarterbacks. The Browns also have third-string rookie Taylen Green on the depth chart, as well as sophomore quarterback Dillon Gabriel, whom the team placed on injured reserve weeks ago with a back injury. Speculation emerged that a team that lost its starting quarterback due to an injury might be interested in Sanders.
The New York Giants were among those teams, as they lost starter Jaxson Dart to a season-ending knee injury against the Los Angeles Rams during "Monday Night Football" on Sept. 21. However, the Giants seemed to cool down any Sanders trade speculation after trading with the Minnesota Vikings for backup JJ McCarthy. Other teams that might consider Sanders include the Arizona Cardinals and New York Jets.
The Cardinals are currently relying on veteran Jacoby Brissett, while the Jets have veteran Geno Smith as their starter. One has to wonder if Sanders still has a future in the league with the right team, or if there's a reason the Browns didn't select him until the No. 144 pick of the 2025 NFL Draft. They'll have until this year's trade deadline on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 4 p.m.
ET to potentially move their backup in a favorable deal. More news: Steelers Defense Could Be Without Major Piece for Multiple Weeks For more about the Cleveland Browns and the NFL, visit Newsweek Sports.
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