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Shedeur Sanders Theory Emerges After Cleveland Browns Trade Kenny Pickett

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rodney Knuppel | Last updated Aug 27, 2025 11:17 AM ET

The Cleveland Browns’ trade of Kenny Pickett has done more than just clean up a crowded quarterback room. It has sparked a growing theory that rookie Shedeur Sanders is the real reason behind the move.

NFL.com’s Eric Edholm summed it up: “The minute they snagged a falling Shedeur Sanders was the first moment I thought Pickett was expendable.” That line reveals what many believe: The Browns did not view Pickett as part of the long-term picture the moment they landed Sanders with a fifth-round pick after many experts projected him as a first-round selection.

Four Factors Behind Kenny Pickett’s Exit

Four points explain why Kenny Pickett was moved to the Las Vegas Raiders in favor of the Browns keeping Shedeur Sanders:

The Browns carried four quarterbacks (Flacco, Gabriel, Sanders, Pickett)
Pickett’s presence “clouded the picture” in camp evaluations
Cleveland wanted clarity on which quarterbacks to develop for the future
Sanders' draft value forced the team to prioritize his growth

Why Kenny Pickett Did Not Fit in Cleveland

Pickett had little chance to stick once the Browns drafted Sanders. While Joe Flacco provides veteran experience, and Dillon Gabriel offers developmental upside, Pickett became the extra piece that no longer made sense. As Edholm noted, “Keeping him around only would have clouded the picture.”

The Browns were not looking to hold onto a quarterback who had limited long-term value when they had two younger players in need of reps. Trading Pickett was about creating opportunity and focus.

What This Says About Shedeur Sanders

The move reflects confidence in Sanders’ potential role this season. The Browns are clearly committed to seeing whether he or Gabriel can become the future face of the franchise. Edholm wrote, “The Browns’ main goal must be coming out of this season knowing whether Dillon Gabriel or Sanders can be the team’s future leader.”

That line makes it clear that Cleveland is not treating Sanders as a luxury pick. The Browns want answers now, and Pickett’s departure shows they are willing to reshape the roster to give him the chance.

Cleveland's Big Picture

This is the core of the Shedeur Sanders theory. Pickett was not simply a victim of numbers; he was traded because Sanders’ selection changed the Browns’ quarterback plan the moment his name was called. The upcoming season will now be defined by whether Sanders can justify that confidence and prove he is the quarterback Cleveland believes he can become.

When Do the Cleveland Browns Start the 2025 Season?

Fans will not have to wait too much longer to see their Cleveland Browns take the field. The Browns host the Cincinnati Bengals at Huntington Bank Field at 1 p.m. ET Sept. 7.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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