The Cleveland Browns are coming off a 31-6 win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, but that doesn’t hide the fact that their record is 2-5 and the team is struggling.
They’re sitting at No. 3 in the AFC North, only behind a mainly Lamar Jackson-less Baltimore Ravens (1-5).
With their dismal record in mind, the Browns will likely be sellers by the NFL’s trade deadline on Nov. 4, and NFL analysts and experts are throwing around rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ name in trade ideas.
The Browns drafted Sanders in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft, and he’s slowly climbed up the depth chart to become the backup to rookie Dillon Gabriel. According to Gilberto Manzano of Sports Illustrated, nobody should be surprised if Cleveland trades Sanders before the deadline.
“The Browns might actually have something going with this promising 2025 draft class, which includes running back Quinshon Judkins, linebacker Carson Schwesinger and defensive tackle Mason Graham,” Manzano said. “However, the team might not view rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the same light as the aforementioned rookies, especially because the team has favored rookie starting quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Don’t be shocked if Sanders is moved before the deadline.”
The Browns have already made some surprising moves. They traded veteran quarterback Joe Flacco earlier this season in a deal with division the rival Cincinnati Bengals. That helped both Gabriel and Sanders get opportunities for snaps.
Other NFL analysts and insiders don’t see Sanders going anywhere though. Gabriel is 1-2 with the team, and if he doesn’t improve, Sanders would be next in line to start.
Cleveland Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot recently said that Sanders could get his chance to start for the Browns sooner rather than later.
“With Sanders coming up the learning curve quickly, and displaying his natural arm talent every day in practice, Gabriel must show that he can run an explosive passing attack, or the Browns will be tempted to see what their other rookie can do sooner than perhaps they want to,” Cabot stated.
Read more: Browns–Garrett Wilson Trade Rumors Take Wild Twist Involving Shedeur Sanders
Whether or not the Browns opt to trade Sanders, what’s undoubtedly accurate is that the Browns are sellers this trading cycle.
“Now is the perfect time to call the Browns about their veteran players,” Manzano stated in his piece. “Cleveland is all about the future and likely would be willing to listen about most players outside of star edge rusher Myles Garrett and a handful of promising rookies.”
Read more: Browns Urged to Make Shedeur Sanders Decision Before NFL Trade Deadline
The Browns’ next matchup is Sunday on the road against the New England Patriots.
