Cleveland Browns insider shuts down Shedeur Sanders trade speculation

The Browns are leading their division and will have 10 days of rest before facing the New York Jets , but the main conversation in Cleveland is not about the schedule.

In recent days, rumors have emerged that the franchise could be open to trading backup quarterback Shedeur Sanders before the November 10 trade deadline .

Sanders entered the season as a strong candidate to become the starter, potentially as early as Week 3 , but Deshaun Watson ’s strong performance changed the situation. The quarterback has responded better than expected, and the Browns are now focused on competing in the present.

With Watson established as the starter, Cleveland could explore a trade involving Sanders to gain additional draft capital and give the young quarterback an opportunity with a team that has a greater need at the position.

The situation is also connected to the return of Dillon Gabriel , who is close to coming off injured reserve. The Browns will have to reduce their quarterback room to three players, and Gabriel has received praise for his understanding of the offensive system. If Sanders were traded, Gabriel would take over the backup role.

Browns insider Daryl Ruiter reported that Sanders will remain in Cleveland . Offensive coordinator Todd Monken is pleased with his development within the system, and the quarterback position remains a major question mark looking ahead.

Although Watson has performed well and the team is winning, his injury history remains a concern: he has never completed a full season with the Browns. Sanders, the former Colorado quarterback , is an insurance policy just one play away from taking control of the offense.

The front office must give the coaching staff and locker room the best opportunity to win after their unexpected start that put them atop the AFC North . If Watson suffers another injury or his level of play declines, Sanders could be the best option to keep the team competitive.

The young quarterback competed for the starting job during the preseason and has served as the backup through the first four weeks, while Gabriel was never considered a realistic option to open the season as the starter.

The future matters more than the present

Watson’s future in Cleveland is not guaranteed beyond this season, while Sanders is playing under a much more affordable rookie contract. Additionally, by winning so many games, the Browns are moving further away from a high Draft position where they could select a franchise quarterback. If Watson does not return and Cleveland cannot find a replacement in the Draft , Sanders could become the long-term solution.

As the weeks go by, quarterback injuries often lead to conversations between teams looking for reinforcements. Recently, J.J. McCarthy was traded to the New York Giants in exchange for a fifth-round pick. However, McCarthy was a first-round selection, while Sanders entered the league in the fifth round.

Because of that, the compensation Cleveland would receive likely would not justify the move. A late-round pick would hardly be worth more than keeping a young quarterback with potential and an affordable contract.

Sanders has also handled his backup role with professionalism, and if the Browns need him, the team believes the offense would not experience a significant drop-off.

Cleveland is winning right now, and moving on from Sanders could be more of a risk than an opportunity.