The Cleveland Browns limped through their only full practice in London ahead of Sunday’s International Series game in a week that ended with a bold quarterback shakeup. Coach Kevin Stefanski benched veteran Joe Flacco in favor of rookie Dillon Gabriel as the starter after persistent offensive struggles and turnovers. The Browns ended week 5, 1-4, losing to the Minnesota Vikings 17-21, but Shedeur Sanders remains in the storyline.
The fifth round draft pick sits third on Cleveland’s depth chart behind Gabriel and Flacco, and was a game-day inactive and a developmental pick the Browns hoped to grow. Sanders insisted he’s ready, as he previously claimed he is “ready to play right now” and that he is “capable of doing better than” many of the “quarterback play in the league right now,” per Sports Illustrated.
However, the Browns aren’t the only team that is fumbling in the ongoing NFL season, as the Las Vegas Raiders haven’t performed any better. Enter Damian Lillard. The NBA star and Oakland native, a lifelong Raiders fan, publicly urged action after Las Vegas’ stumbles, tweeting bluntly, “Time to gone ahead and trade for shedeur man smfh.” Lillard’s comments followed a week where Geno Smith’s turnovers, nine interceptions in five games amid a 1-4 start, reignited calls for change. Lillard, known for his competitive fire, clearly wants the Raiders to stop the slide.
Time to gone ahead and trade for shedeur man smfh
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) October 5, 2025
Could a deal happen? Tom Brady’s influence as a minority owner and the Raiders’ offseason moves make the fit tempting. A young, mobile signal-caller like Sanders could develop behind experienced coaches and the weapons assembled this year.
For Cleveland, Sanders’ patience and potential could make him tradable if he seeks playing time. For Las Vegas, the move would be bold, but sometimes a spark like the former Milwaukee Bucks’ star’s public nudge is exactly what a struggling franchise needs this fall.
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