Browns Not Trading QB Shedeur Sanders Amidst Watson's Strong Start
Despite hiring an agent, the Browns plan to keep backup quarterback Shedeur Sanders on the roster as Deshaun Watson leads the team to a 5-2 record.
The Cleveland Browns have no plans to trade backup quarterback Shedeur Sanders, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. This decision comes as starting quarterback Deshaun Watson has led the Browns to a 5-2 record this season.
Sanders, who hired an agent for the first time in his career earlier this month, was reportedly seen as a potential trade candidate. Some observers suggested his previous decision to forgo an agent contributed to his fall to the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
With Watson performing well and the team finding success, Sanders appears to be firmly entrenched as the backup. This situation comes after a close quarterback competition in training camp where Sanders was expected to see some playing time this season. Watson is currently in the midst of his healthiest season with the Browns, preparing for his eighth game, which would be a career-high for him with the team. He has contended with injuries in each of the past four seasons.
Sanders showed flashes during his rookie season in 2025, taking over as the starter from an injured Dillon Gabriel. In eight games, Sanders threw for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
Watson is entering the final year of his contract, and if he continues to lead the Browns effectively, potentially into the playoffs, he could be in line for a contract extension with the team.