The Browns’ quarterback situation keeps circling back to the same question: what happens next with Shedeur Sanders?
Deshaun Watson remains the name at the center of Cleveland’s long-term uncertainty, but the idea of him turning into the answer the Browns paid for has faded for a lot of people around the league. That’s why Sanders, now in his second year, has become the more plausible option to be the quarterback in 2026 than any talk of Watson landing an extension.
Sanders’ status got dragged into trade speculation after he hired an agent for the first time in the NFL. Given how last season went - and after he lost the quarterback battle to Watson this year - it’s fair to wonder whether he’s preparing for a possible exit from Cleveland. It’s also possible he’s simply getting his business in order, ready for whatever comes next, whether that’s at the trade deadline or later on.
But if there is really a market for Sanders, Jonathan Jones of The Athletic says Browns GM Andrew Berry may not be eager to entertain it.
“If Sanders is seeking a trade, that might be difficult. Berry is said to have a great affection for Sanders, whom he took a chance on 18 months ago while the rest of the NFL passed over him several times. Sanders was one of the worst starting quarterbacks last season, by several metrics, among qualified passers, but he showed growth in the preseason and training camp.”
Jones pushed that thought even further, saying it would come as a major surprise if Cleveland actually moved him.
“There is belief in Sanders and his ability. He’s also on a fifth-round rookie contract for another two-plus years.
Berry’s current starting quarterback is not under contract beyond this season and has a history of injuries. Blanket caveat that anything can happen over the next few weeks, but the Browns dealing Sanders by the deadline would be a stunner.”
In Other News...
Andre Szmyt Just Forced A Browns Decision Fans Didn't Expect
Andre Szmyt has turned a low-key roster spot into one of the more interesting decisions the Browns may have to make. The undrafted kicker has been steady over the past two seasons, converting 34 of 37 field goal attempts and 32 of 34 extra points, and his current run has put him on the verge of one of the better streaks in franchise history.
The bigger question now is whether Cleveland treats that production like a short-term solution or a longer-term answer. Szmyt is under contract for the 2026 season, but with his consistency climbing and his streak already at 24 straight, the Browns may have a choice to make sooner than expected about whether to keep him in place beyond a one-year deal. [Read more 🡒]
Andrew Berry Could Put Key Browns Starters On The Trade Block
With four games left before the NFL trade deadline, the Browns find themselves in a familiar kind of midseason gray area: good enough at 3-2 to stay in the hunt, but not so settled that the front office can ignore what comes next. Cleveland also has draft capital at its disposal, which gives general manager Andrew Berry some room to maneuver if the season starts to tilt in the wrong direction.
That is where the chatter around several potential trade candidates starts to matter, including Grant Delpit, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Myles Collins, Jedrick Jenkins, Tim Patrick Jeudy and Jerome Sanders. Contract considerations and the teams place in the standings could all factor into whether Berry looks to add for a push or instead turn some of those names into future draft picks, leaving the roster picture just as much a story about October uncertainty as November planning. [Read more 🡒]
Isaiah Bond Gave Browns Fans Hope And One Big Concern
Isaiah Bonds biggest opportunity of the season came in Week 5 against the Jets, when an injury to KC Concepcion opened the door for the Browns receiver to see a season-high 49 offensive snaps. Bond made the most of the chance in some ways, finishing with three catches for 74 yards and leading Cleveland in receiving on a day when the passing game needed someone to step forward.
Deshaun Watsons public support after the game added another layer to Bonds performance, with the quarterback pointing to the receivers limited reps and urging patience as he develops. Still, the tape left room for concern because Bond also had key drops, the kind of missed chances that can linger when a young receiver is trying to earn a bigger role in the offense. [Read more 🡒]