The Cleveland Browns' quarterback situation is going to be one of the primary focuses of 2026 NFL training camp.
Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders are expected to compete for the Browns' QB1 job in camp, and though Watson is the more experienced player and likely has the slight edge, the competition will be won in July and August, meaning Sanders still has a chance.
However, a discussion on who the Browns' starter could be between Watson and Sanders may end up going to waste because of a new trade rumor from a Cleveland radio host.
ESPN Cleveland's Tom Rizzo reported on the air on Monday that the Browns are receiving trade calls on Sanders. Rizzo adds that he believes Cleveland's quarterback room will look a bit different by the time camp kicks off on July 28.
"There are talks, ongoing calls about the availability of Shedeur Sanders,” Rizzo said... "I’m going to say right now, for the record, I don’t think the four quarterbacks are going to camp on July 28."
"Nothing is imminent, but the calls are being made," Rizzo added.
It's no surprise that Sanders is garnering interest on the open market. The Colorado product showed promise during his rookie season in 2025, and a team could look to take a flyer on him, especially if he gets lost in the Browns' crowded signal-caller group.
If Cleveland actually considers trading Sanders before camp, there is a perfect landing spot for the young quarterback that nobody is talking about: the Detroit Lions.
Why Lions should trade for Shedeur Sanders
The Lions are set to enter camp with Teddy Bridgewater and undrafted rookie Luke Altmyer as the quarterback depth behind Jared Goff.
Bridgewater is an experienced veteran who knows head coach Dan Campbell's culture well and is highly respected within the organization. However, he hasn't played significant snaps in a game since 2022, so there are some concerns with him as the backup.
Altmyer does provide some juice as a young player in the position group with mobility, but he still has a lot to prove and will be fighting for a roster spot in camp.
Detroit should look to make a move at quarterback, as they shouldn't be comfortable with Bridgewater and Altmyer as the lone signal-callers backing up Goff. So why not call the Browns and see what it'll take to trade for Sanders?
A move to the Lions makes sense for both sides. For Detroit, Sanders would add more competition for Bridgewater and Altmyer and give Campbell's squad a young quarterback who already has game experience.
And for Sanders, developing behind Goff, one of the best pocket passers in the sport, would be incredibly beneficial.
Obviously, landing in Detroit wouldn't give Sanders a chance to earn a starting role, but there is a strong argument that he isn't even ready to be a starter yet anyway. But what the Lions do provide is a veteran signal-caller who would be a fantastic mentor, and a chance to be the backup on a championship contender.
Sanders could easily take the Malik Willis path if he got moved to Detroit, but only time will tell what the future holds for the 24-year-old quarterback.