Shedeur Sanders may have a clearer path to the starting job. An NFL expert predicts the Cleveland Browns will not trade for a high-priced veteran quarterback. This decision could open the door for the rookie.

In Wednesday’s episode of 92.3 The Fan, NBC Broadcaster and NFL expert John Fanta weighed in on the Browns potentially going for San Francisco backup QB Mac Jones.

"What they're asking for is absurd. It's absurd for anybody who would want to get him. That market value... That also shows how barren the shelves are with quarterbacks of any quality in this marketplace. And so that's why I think they've got to go and get a veteran (QB) because I think you've got to find out about your other pieces on your roster, but I don't think that they will."

And he's not the first one to say so. Dianna Russini of The Athletic described it as an astronomical price, and it will likely be first or second-round picks. For the Browns, giving those up will be a near-impossible choice. At the same time, as Fanta explained, the team needs a veteran.

Currently, the quarterback roster includes Sanders, fellow 2025 rookie Dillon Gabriel, and Deshaun Watson. And although Watson is technically a veteran, his absence over the past four seasons has been a significant cost to the franchise.

After signing a massive $230 million contract for four years with the Browns, Watson played in only 19 games after sustaining two Achilles injuries. However, during the season, he was working with both Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, even travelling with the team on the road and staying on the sidelines.

While Watson can mentor Sanders, the rookie still needs to perform on the field.

What Is Sanders’ Response to the Situation?

In February on the Up and Adams Show, 24-year-old Sanders shared that he has grown a lot, and the ups and downs in his rookie year are just part of the journey. 

"That’s the most thing I appreciate about this year is that I proved to myself, I’m able to dominate the league. But I’m able to take completions, I’m able to put all of that together, and definitely in games, we have flashes, but I know I’m capable of doing that."

If Fanta’s prediction turns true, then Sanders is given another opportunity to prove he can be the franchise quarterback with the right support. But the question remains if the Browns pick a veteran back or not. 

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar