Browns fielding trade inquiries for Shedeur Sanders ahead of training camp

The Cleveland Browns are receiving trade inquiries regarding quarterback Shedeur Sanders, according to ESPN Cleveland radio host Tony Rizzo. Rizzo indicated that the team is unlikely to enter training camp with its current four quarterbacks, suggesting a change in the roster is anticipated. While no trade is imminent, the Browns are reportedly exploring options to move Sanders, who is competing with Deshaun Watson for the starting position.

Rizzo confirmed that there are ongoing discussions about the quarterback’s availability, stating that the Browns will not enter camp on July 28 with the current group intact. He clarified that while nothing is imminent, the calls are being made. The team’s decision to potentially trade Sanders comes despite his status as a key competitor for the starting role alongside Watson, with Rizzo noting that trading him could be seen as a significant misstep given the lack of a long-term answer under centre in Cleveland.

Several franchises have been identified as potential landing spots for Sanders, including the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Each team faces distinct uncertainties at the quarterback position that could make Sanders an attractive acquisition.

The New York Jets are viewed as needing a long-term solution after Geno Smith’s performance in 2025, with Smith considered a poor fit at age 35. The Jets’ depth chart includes Bailey Zappe, Brady Cook, and fourth-round pick Cade Klubnik, leaving the organisation without a clear franchise quarterback. Acquiring Sanders would provide the Jets with a hedge against their ongoing struggles at the position.

In Miami, the Dolphins lack a locked-in long-term starter. Malik Willis is beginning his first year as the starter, with Quinn Ewers serving as insurance, though Ewers is viewed as only average. General manager Jon-Eric Sullivan is reportedly exploring options to secure a more definitive long-term plan, with Sanders seen as a viable competitor for the starting job.

The Arizona Cardinals face uncertainty with starter Jacoby Brissett holding out and Carson Beck’s readiness unclear. With Gardner Minshew viewed as a lower-upside alternative, the Cardinals could look to Sanders for a higher ceiling. Meanwhile, the Indianapolis Colts are concerned about Daniel Jones’ injury history, with Sanders offering more starting experience than current backups Riley Leonard and Easton Stick.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are also in the market for a long-term successor to Baker Mayfield, who is in a contract standoff and set to become a free agent in 2027. With no clear successor on the roster, trading for Sanders would provide Tampa Bay with a potential long-term solution at the position.

The Browns’ quarterback room currently includes Sanders and Watson, along with two other players not specified in the report. The anticipated roster reduction before training camp suggests that one of the four quarterbacks will be moved, with Sanders emerging as the primary trade asset.