Jun 11, 2026; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) during minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Jun 11, 2026; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) during minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
September 23, 2026 Featured, NFL
“Before the Deadline” — NFL Insider Makes Bold Shedeur Sanders Trade Prediction Amid Browns’ Messy QB Situation
The Cleveland Browns quarterback situation is already getting messy just two weeks into the 2026 NFL season. Several teams have seen their starting quarterbacks suffer injuries or struggle to perform at their best, creating uncertainty across the league, however, the situation at Browns was making waves way before the season started.
Shedeur Sanders, Cleveland Browns, Washington CommandersShedeur Sanders, Cleveland Browns, Washington Commanders
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images
The New York Giants are facing one of the most difficult situations after starting quarterback Jaxson Dart suffered a serious knee injury during their 28–6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
Further testing revealed injuries to his MCL and PCL, and Dart is expected to undergo surgery and miss the remainder of the 2026 season. Veteran backup Jameis Winston replaced him but completed only 11 of 27 passes for 111 yards and one interception.
With Dart sidelined, the Giants might consider options beyond Winston. Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders has already emerged as a potential trade target, especially because he remains behind Deshaun Watson on Cleveland’s depth chart.
During a recent episode of ESPN Cleveland, Tony Rizzo made a bold prediction about Sanders’ future with the Browns.
“I think the Browns deal Shedeur before the deadline, I think Gabriel’s your backup and Taylen Green is your third. I think Deshaun could start a dozen games. I do. I hope so.”
"I think the Browns deal Shedeur before the deadline and Gabriel is your backup," – Rizz with a BOLD prediction for the Browns QB room 😯
How would you feel if the Browns traded Shedeur Sanders? pic.twitter.com/kCl4JPudbZ
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) September 23, 2026
Rizzo’s prediction suggests Cleveland could move forward with Watson as its starter, Dillon Gabriel as the primary backup and Taylen Green as its developmental third-string option. That arrangement could make Sanders expendable if the Browns receive an appealing trade offer.
However, Rizzo’s comments should be viewed as a prediction rather than confirmation that the Browns are actively attempting to trade Sanders.
Watson has shown improved mobility during the opening weeks of the season after missing the entire 2025 campaign because of Achilles injuries. Browns head coach Todd Monken explained why Watson’s athleticism must remain an important part of Cleveland’s offense.
“Well, it has to be a weapon for him and us to use his legs. He is athletic. He has a good feeling for that. And he certainly…he’s asked for it. He said, ‘don’t be afraid to use my legs.’ And so that’s been a big part the first couple of weeks. And he made a number of plays with his legs, a couple of big third downs, one a design run, one a scramble, did a nice job on a naked where we didn’t get off on the snap count. He dumped it down to Harold (Fannin Jr.) for a first down. So, you can certainly see that there’s a lot to clean up, but that definitely showed up.”
Monken’s confidence in Watson could further limit Sanders’ opportunities in Cleveland. Meanwhile, the Giants’ sudden need at quarterback makes them a logical team to monitor if Sanders becomes available.
The NFL trade deadline is approaching on November 10. Fans will be eager to see how the quarterback situation eventually unfolds. With multiple franchises potentially searching for help, Sanders could become one of the most intriguing names on the market.
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