Shedeur Sanders Update Emerges After Browns’ QB Decision

Ken Blaze - IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Shedeur Sanders Update Emerges After Browns’ QB Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Shubham Bajpai | Last updated Oct 9, 2026 8:42 AM ET

Shedeur Sanders entered the offseason hoping to become the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback. However, Todd Monken decided to name Deshaun Watson the starter after evaluating the duo during the offseason, training camp and the first two preseason games against the Chicago Bears and the Buffalo Bills. However, the decision was not necessarily permanent, as reports suggested that the Browns could reevaluate their quarterback situation after the first two regular-season games.

The start for Watson was far from perfect, as he struggled in the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. While Watson threw for 205 passing yards and one touchdown, much of his production came when the game was already out of reach. But Watson put that game in the past and bounced back in the next three games, strengthening his hold on the starting job.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) and quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) talk during minicamp Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Sanders, with Watson back in form, has had to spend most of his time on the sidelines. But when a quarterback of Sanders’ potential is getting no playing time, trade rumors naturally swirl. And that’s exactly what has happened.

Mary Kay Cabot and Cleveland.com initially reported that the Browns had no plans to trade him. But then it was reported that the Browns would be open to trading Sanders or Dillon Gabriel for the right price.

Daryl Ruiter most recently reported that the Browns are happy with Sanders as their backup quarterback and would like to continue developing him. Now, Ruiter has come up with another update after reporting that the Browns have no intention of trading Sanders.

“I still say Shedeur Sanders could be traded. I know what the team told me yesterday…but I don’t see a world that they carry four QBs.”

➡️ @RuiterWrongFAN w/ @VulinecJake on the #Browns QB decision ahead with Dillon Gabriel returning from IR pic.twitter.com/Qykk6oQBAN
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) October 7, 2026

Speaking on 92.3 The Fan, Ruiter said, “I still say Shedeur Sanders could be traded. I know what the team told me yesterday…but I don’t see a world that they carry four QBs.”

The Browns also recently made the decision to designate Gabriel to return from injured reserve, opening a 21-day window to activate him or keep him on injured reserve for the rest of the year. If Gabriel returns, the situation could become even more tricky. Sanders and Gabriel both have the potential to develop into starting quarterbacks if given the right opportunities. It will be interesting to see what happens before the trade deadline.

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

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