Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) takes the field in the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Cleveland Browns Linked to Shocking Shedeur Sanders Trade

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Evan Massey | Last updated Sep 15, 2025 11:38 PM ET

At this point in time, it doesn’t appear that the Cleveland Browns plan to let Shedeur Sanders play during his rookie season.

Joe Flacco started off the 2025 NFL season as the team’s starter and remains in that role heading into Week 3. Behind him, the Browns made the clear choice to place Dillon Gabriel as his primary backup.

Where Sanders fits in long-term with Cleveland remains to be seen. But, if the right trade offer came along for the former Colorado standout, would the Browns consider it? That seems to be a likely scenario.

Perhaps a potential landing spots has now come up that makes sense.

Cleveland Browns Linked to Shocking Shedeur Sanders Trade

Max Dible of Heavy Sports has come up with a shocking trade idea that would send Sanders packing. He woud leave Cleveland, but he would not leave the AFC North.

Following the injury to Joe Burrow, could the Cincinnati Bengals be a team to watch for Sanders? They are reportedly looking to bring in another quarterback alongside of Jake Browning.

Here’s what Dible had to say on the matter:

“As such, it could make sense to try and take advantage of an opportunity to get mid- or late-round draft value for Sanders now via a trade with a team like Cincinnati, which has a relatively viable starting option in Jake Browning but is only one injury away from having next to nothing in the QB room,” Dible wrote.

His reasoning does make sense, but trading Sanders within the division would likely be a no-go. If Sanders were to go on and look like a star within the AFC North, the Browns would never be able to live that down.

It’s an interesting idea, but one that would be completely shocking to see happen. That being said, crazier things have happened in the NFL.

Sanders will be a name to watch closely moving forward. If Cleveland doesn’t have him as a big part of its plans for the future, a trade could very well be in the cards at some point in time. The Browns will have some major quarterback decisions to make in the near future.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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