The Cleveland Browns need to secure an upgrade at the wide receiver position following a string of underwhelming performances across the group, and Shedeur Sanders has welcomed a trade move
17:02 ET, 01 Mar 2026
Shedeur Sanders was named to the Pro Bowl as a rookie despite his limited receiving options
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Shedeur Sanders was named to the Pro Bowl as a rookie despite his limited receiving options(Image: Getty Images)
Shedeur Sanders has thrown his weight behind trades for two big-name receivers as the Cleveland Browns look to give him a weapon.
Sanders showed flashes of his potential down the stretch of his rookie season, tallying a 3-4 record as the Browns floundered to a 5-12 finish. Then-Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski didn’t trust him early and has since found himself out of a job before the two-time Coach of the Year landed with the Atlanta Falcons.
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The Browns are now ready to move in a new direction under Todd Monken, and Sanders will need to earn his starting role amid growing competition. Cleveland has even been linked to a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, which would further pressure Sanders.
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It was a testing rookie season for the Colorado product. Sanders started the 2025 season as Cleveland’s fourth-string quarterback, sitting behind Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel until both veterans got traded. Once Gabriel went down with a concussion, Sanders got his opportunity.
He ended up starting the final seven games, leading a unit that was already struggling. Sanders threw for 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns with 10 interceptions, and even earned a Pro Bowl berth — although this was likely a choice made based on popularity rather than performance.
If he is going to continue to develop, Sanders may need improved offensive weapons. Tight end Harold Fannin showed flashes of exciting potential, as did running back Quinshon Judkins before he suffered a fractured ankle.
The Browns could add a receiver in the draft with one of their two first-round picks, while a trade for a known commodity also remains on the table. The AFC North franchise is reportedly interested in two former Ohio State products — Arizona Cardinals receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and New Orleans Saints wideout Chris Olave.
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Marvin Harrison Jr. and Chris Olave could be trade targets for the Browns
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Marvin Harrison Jr. and Chris Olave could be trade targets for the Browns(Image: Getty Images)
On Saturday, Sanders attended a meet-and-greet at a local school. When speaking to a teacher, Sanders was asked about the prospect of trading for Olave or Harrison.
“Hey, if they come, that will be cool,” the 24-year-old said.
Sanders and the Browns certainly need to see improved production from a subpar receiver room. Jerry Jeudy led the NFL in dropped passes, while Cedric Tillman only caught 21 passes in an injury-hit year.
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In total, six Browns receivers accounted for 119 catches. Four players on rival NFL teams tallied more receptions on their own.
Olave would be an intriguing option. The 25-year-old had 100 receptions and 1,163 yards for the lowly Saints, and he is on his fifth-year option after being selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Meanwhile, Harrison Jr. has struggled to live up to the billing since he was taken with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Across his two seasons in the league, he has 103 receptions for 1,493 yards.