The Cleveland Browns have no intentions of trading quarterback Shedeur Sanders ahead of the upcoming trade deadline, as reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Upcoming First Start of the Season
Sanders has served as the backup to Deshaun Watson throughout the current season. However, he is scheduled to make his first start of the year against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday because Watson is currently in the concussion protocol. Fowler reported that this upcoming opportunity is not being treated as a trade showcase.
The Browns drafted the 24-year-old quarterback in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft. During his rookie campaign, Sanders played in eight games with seven starts, completing 56.6 percent of his passes for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
Speaking to ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi on Wednesday, Sanders reflected on his development. “Last year, I was able to see what I needed to see, feel different things during the games and understand what I need to get better at,” Sanders stated. “So, then going into this offseason, we worked on that, and training camp, of course, in this offseason, and overall, I’m just excited for the opportunity.”
Team Context and Next Opponent
Cleveland has performed better than anticipated to begin the 2026 season, holding a 5-3 record after eight weeks of play. Watson started all of the team’s first eight games, recording 1,806 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions, alongside 217 rushing yards and one rushing score.
For his debut start of the season, Sanders will go up against a struggling New Orleans defense. The Saints currently rank 29th in the NFL in scoring defense, giving up an average of 27.7 points per game, while opposing quarterbacks hold a 97.5 passer rating against them.
The game between the Browns and the Saints is scheduled for a 1 p.m. ET kickoff on Sunday.
