The Cleveland Browns are heading into the 2026 regular season with a quarterback battle between Shedeur Sanders and veteran Deshaun Watson. Browns GM Andrew Berry praised Ty Simpson, who is one of the top quarterback prospects in the draft. With the likelihood of the Raiders selecting Fernando Mendoza, it wouldn’t be surprising if the rumors are true that the Browns are set to select Simpson with the No. 6 pick in the first round of the draft. With that, this means that the Browns could trade Sanders during the same weekend, too, if they feel comfortable with Simpson as the backup while they focus their attention on Watson.
The former Texan took a paycut and one source believes that he’s in the “pole position” to win the job. It would make much more sense if the Browns stuck with Watson as their backup for the future as a veteran presence to help Simpson. This leaves Sanders in an awkward position, but the Browns are leaving the quarterback position wide open.
Browns 2026 NFL Draft Could Lead to Shedeur Sanders Trade
Sanders originally entered the league as a fifth-round draft pick. Since the beginning of the 2025 regular season, Sanders waited for his chance until he finally got the opportunity to start after Dillon Gabriel suffered an injury that took him out of action. Former head coach Kevin Stefanski stuck with Sanders as the leader of this offense, but it was probably short-lived.
Due to the offense not giving Sanders a chance to excel, the Browns could give him one last shot during the 2026 regular season. Throughout the 2025 campaign, Sanders finished with a 3–4 record in seven starts, a 56.6% completion percentage, 1,400 passing yards, seven passing touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and one rushing touchdown. Cleveland could trade Sanders to these three teams if they’re moving on early.
Potential Next Teams
Dallas Cowboys
With Joe Milton’s backup quarterback job in jeopardy, the Dallas Cowboys could entertain the idea of trading for Sanders. It would be a dream come true for Deion (Shedeur’s dad), so it’s something to watch if Jerry Jones brings him in. However, the Cowboys signed Sam Howell to compete with Milton for the backup quarterback position. Sanders probably will never start in Dallas unless a major injury to Dak Prescott occurs.
Still, it gives him a fresh start with enough capable weapons to develop into an adequate starter.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers traded Andy Dalton to the Eagles, which means the team will probably search for a new backup. Dalton was too old and was never going to be the long-term starter in Carolina either way. However, Bryce Young has shown signs of consistency, but he still needs help.
Sanders joining the Panthers gives him another opportunity to start new and he has more weapons to play with in Carolina, along with a solid running game.
Indianapolis Colts
The same can be said about the Indianapolis Colts. The team re-signed Daniel Jones to another one-year deal after impressing in 2025. With the Colts trying to move on from Anthony Richardson, this opens the door for Sanders to join the team as backup for Jones.