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Quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson at the Browns OTA camp in Berea on May 20, 2026.

Sep 24, 2026, 5:55 PM CUT

“Freed from Cleveland” - Skip Bayless wants the Browns to trade Shedeur Sanders

Shedeur Sanders’ standing with the Cleveland Browns has changed considerably since the start of the season. The rookie is now facing a crowded quarterback room with Deshaun Watson still ahead of him.

Dillon Gabriel also remains part of the equation, with Todd Monken praising the former's preparation and understanding of the Browns’ offense. Meanwhile, veteran NFL analyst Skip Bayless discussed Sanders’ situation while speaking with former NFL cornerback Aqib Talib on Gridiron.

Bayless believes Sanders would benefit from leaving Cleveland and finding a team that genuinely believes in his ability. He also expressed his frustration with the rookie’s current situation:

“I despise it for Shedeur Sanders. I’m hoping that somehow he does get freed from Cleveland and he lands someplace with somebody who really believes in him.”

Bayless ultimately hopes the Browns trade Sanders so the rookie can find a team that genuinely appreciates him.

The Browns’ quarterback competition comes under fresh scrutiny

Skip Bayless also questioned how Todd Monken had handled the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback competition.

The veteran analyst pointed to Monken’s praise for Dillon Gabriel’s preparation and understanding of the offense. Bayless believes Gabriel is next in line if Deshaun Watson struggles over the next two games.

He then raised questions about whether Monken ever genuinely viewed the competition as an open battle:

“It was a battle with quotes around it. He [Monken] was just saying that for the PR sake just so he wouldn't rile up the fandom.”

Bayless’ comments came while discussing Shedeur Sanders’ dramatic slide within Cleveland’s quarterback hierarchy. The rookie was initially part of the QB1 conversation but now appears to be facing a much tougher path.

Written by

Sayantan