Sep 28, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) looks on from he sidelines during the second half against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images Sep 28, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) looks on from he sidelines during the second half against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Blazers’ Damian Lillard Wants Raiders To Trade For Browns’ Shedeur Sanders

Originally posted on Raiders Newswire | By Matt Peralta | Last updated Oct 10, 2025 4:01 PM ET

The 2025 season is quickly getting away from the Las Vegas Raiders as they put up their most pathetic showing to date in Week 5.

The Raiders were thoroughly embarrassed by the Indianapolis Colts, losing 40-6, and were an absolute disaster on both sides of the field. Indianapolis was coming off a Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Hence, they had plenty of motivation to reestablish themselves as a power in the AFC, and they made a statement against a hapless Las Vegas team.

Geno Smith had another rough outing, only throwing for 228 yards and no touchdowns while getting picked off twice. Smith looked uncomfortable in the pocket for most of the afternoon and forced some errant throws that the Colts were able to take advantage of.

Following the dispiriting loss, Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard suggested the Raiders trade for Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders via his personal X account:

Time to gone ahead and trade for shedeur man smfh

— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) October 5, 2025

Lillard is a life-long Raiders fan, having grown up in Oakland, so he speaks for an entire fan base when he expresses his frustrations with the team. Las Vegas was heavily linked to Sanders during the 2025 NFL Draft process, but they ultimately decided to take Ashton Jeanty instead.

Sanders slid all the way down to Day 3 before he was eventually selected by the Browns, another team that desperately needed a quarterback this past offseason. Sanders has been riding the bench in Cleveland after starting the year third on the depth chart behind Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel.

Gabriel drew his first career start this past Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, and while the Browns lost, the rookie looked solid in his NFL debut. If Gabriel continues to improve, it’s hard to imagine a scenario where Sanders gets a chance to start, so perhaps a trade might be best for both sides.

Smith signed an extension this past offseason, but if the Raiders are genuinely looking to improve the position, then taking a swing on Sanders might make some sense.

Geno Smith says Raiders have to find ways to get Brock Bowers the football

Geno Smith doesn’t lack for any weapons in Las Vegas, though he has been without a healthy Brock Bowers, who has been dealing with a knee injury he sustained in Week 1. While Bowers isn’t 100 percent, Smith emphasized the Raiders need to find ways to get him the football.

This article first appeared on Raiders Newswire and was syndicated with permission.

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