Browns reportedly could trade Shedeur Sanders amid rise of Deshaun Watson under these conditions

A report from late September revealed that the Cleveland Browns had "no plans to trade" Shedeur Sanders or fellow second-year pro Dillon Gabriel, even though Deshaun Watson entered Week 4 as the team's undisputed starter as part of a quarterback situation that involves rookie Taylen Green also being with the organization. 

However, the fact that Gabriel is due to come off injured reserve (back) soon has sparked renewed trade rumors regarding his and Sanders' futures. During a Thursday appearance on ESPN Cleveland, NFL insider Jeremy Fowler addressed Sanders' status with the Browns. 

Browns are "comfortable" making this Shedeur Sanders decision

"If there is another major injury somewhere and a team had a good file on Shedeur Sanders, if they had done a lot of homework on him, really liked him in the draft process — but that is a hit-or-miss proposition because he did not have a good predraft process," Fowler said about a potential Sanders trade, per Sean Deveney of Heavy. "There just weren’t a lot of teams that were absolutely in love with him. That’s why he was there in the fifth round (of the 2025 draft). Does somebody take a shot on him? Maybe. I think it would have to be a situation where [the Browns] would be comfortable with Gabriel as their No. 2. If that’s solidified for them, then maybe they would try and shop Shedeur. But right now, I don’t sense any movement. I think they are comfortable where they’re at."

On Wednesday, Browns insider Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland/The Land on Demand predicted that Cleveland will keep four quarterbacks on the roster this far away from the Nov. 10 trade deadline. Meanwhile, a Thursday report mentioned that "team sources indicated that Watson's performance through three games (this season) hasn't convinced the Browns to consider Watson the long-term answer" at quarterback. 

That could lead one to believe that first-year Browns head coach Todd Monken could turn to Sanders if Watson produces a couple of poor outings, beginning with Thursday night's home game against the 2-1 Pittsburgh Steelers.

Could the Browns become open for business regarding a Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel trade? 

"I could see if they get the right offer for whoever it is -- I think Taylen Green they’d like to keep as a developmental -- so it would probably have to be Shedeur Sanders or Dillon Gabriel," Fowler said about a possible Browns trade. "I am not saying they’re definitely trading. I am saying they have the flexibility. This is very much a value-based team." 

Fowler's update suggests the Browns wouldn't get much "value" for either Sanders or Gabriel over the next month. That said, one of them could eventually be deemed surplus to requirements in Cleveland if Watson plays well from Thursday night through Week 9 of the season.