RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Shedeur Sanders hands off to Raheim Sanders at the Browns OTA in Berea on May 27, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co
With the 2026 preseason beginning on Saturday for the Cleveland Browns, the team is still trying to figure out their current quarterback situation. Shedeur Sanders, who is in his second year with the Browns, is trying to take the starting job from veteran Deshaun Watson. However, Sanders is running into some form of adversity whilst trying to earn the starting job, which may be one reason Watson is starting against the Chicago Bears in Week 1 of the preseason.
Inconsistencies or lack of progress in crucial areas have changed the tides of the quarterback situation, and people are wondering if Cleveland could possibly trade Sanders if he doesn’t win the starting job.
It’s not certain that the Browns would choose to explore this path, but it’s a situation that cannot be ruled out. It’s the NFL, and roster decisions like these are fluid.
Most likely it would be SS for a defender on the bubble with another team where they have a lot of depth. A CB or DE particularly as of now
— Jared Mueller (@JaredKMueller) August 14, 2026
As the current quarterback situation has gone on, Sanders has made strides, but he is still struggling in the things that are key when it comes to playing the quarterback position. The team has viewed Sanders as a “developmental quarterback” given some of the limitations coming out of the Colorado offense. Sanders has talent, but he is behind in the key aspects of playing the position, mostly in presnap and progressions.
Considering his draft position, the team is not committed to Sanders by any means, but they are giving him an opportunity to prove he is the guy of the future. Considering how last season went for Sanders, he is already facing an uphill battle to start.
Sanders could build his trade value if he plays well in the preseason. If he plays well, but not well enough to beat out Watson, the Browns will likely keep him and play him this season if Watson were to get hurt or get benched. Then again, if he doesn’t get the starting spot out of training camp but shows some flashes, Cleveland might just turn the page, getting something in return while preparing for the next would-be future of the franchise in the 2027 NFL draft.
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