It’s a good day on the block for Shedeur Sanders as the rumors regarding a potential Anthony Richardson trade to the Browns have been quelled.

According to Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot, the Browns are not pursuing Richardson even as multiple sources linked him with the team.

“As for the Browns, they’re not trading for Richardson, despite widespread rumors during the first week of free agency that they’d pursue him, sources say”, Cabot wrote.

This is good news for Sanders as the Browns are looking to evaluate the starting quarterback position from the current roster.

“It’s never been a serious consideration for them, although they usually do their due diligence on available veterans to see if it’s a fit. But Richardson was never in their plans, and the rumors were unfounded,” Cabot further added on the matter.

Richardson has had a turbulent run with the Indianapolis Colts after being their No.4 pick in the 2023 draft. His orbital bone fracture led to him losing his starting role to Daniel Jones, after which the Colts have set him up on the trade block.

If Richardson were to join the Browns, it would have meant that he would have been competing for the starting berth with Sanders, Watson, and rookie Dillon Gabriel.

Sanders now seems to be in pole position to start the season with the backing of head coach Todd Monken.

Todd Monken lavishes praise on Shedeur Sanders

New head coach Todd Monken thinks highly of Shedeur Sanders and believes that his college success can translate into the NFL.

“I think what you see is elite playmaking ability,” Monken said about the young quarterback at the NFL Combine. “That’s in him. You’ve seen it. We’ve seen it. You saw it in college. You saw it on tape last year. Sure, there’s a way to go. But what first-year player doesn’t have a long way to go?”

Sanders, despite not starting for the Browns initially, got an opportunity to play in 8 games. The Browns posted a 3-5 record in those 7 games with Sanders throwing 1,400 yards with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

Sanders has shown budding potential as a first-year rookie who could potentially develop as a long-term quarterback for the Browns.

With Monken seemingly praising the young quarterback, Sanders’ chances of starting the 2026 season appear brighter than ever.

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Written by

Shyam Hari

Edited by

Kalp Thaker