While quarterback Shedeur Sanders has kept himself busy and focused on bagging the starting QB job for the 2026 season, speculation about his trade continues to make rounds across the league. 

ESPN analyst Tony Rizzo reported that the Cleveland Browns "don’t think he’s the guy," fueling that trade chatter. Now Joe Smith of the Touchdown Wire has added another dimension by linking Sanders to the New York Jets.

“The Jets could be desperate in the near future,” wrote Smith on June 29. “Geno Smith has been the presumed starter...The other three quarterbacks on the roster? Bailey Zappe, Brady Cook and Cade Klubnick. None of these names really move the needle or even inspire confidence. If things go south with Geno (Smith), they need a starter - they may see that in Sanders.”

The Jets’ potential starter QB for the 2026 season is Geno Smith. However, the QB is currently under investigation after his ex-partner accused him of battery, per Joe Smith of Touchdown Wire. If signed, Sanders could provide stability at QB for the Jets. 

The reason for this is that the  Browns already have four QBs on their roster with Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green. 

“There are talks, ongoing calls, about the availability of Shedeur Sanders,” said Rizzo on ESPN Cleveland. “The Browns, for whatever reason, don’t think he’s the guy. That’s my opinion…I’m going to say right now for the record, I don’t think the four QBs are going to camp on July 28. Nothing is imminent, but the calls are being made. I think it’s in the best interest of both parties here.”

Right now, Sanders and Watson are battling for the QB1 spot for the 2026 season. It seems Watson may win the race to start Week 1, but looking at his track record, he may not stay at that spot for long. So, it wouldn't be surprising if the Browns turn to Sanders.

NFL analyst drops verdict on Shedeur Sanders’ trade value

After ESPN’s Tony Rizzo added to speculation of a Sanders trade, many NFL insiders have downplayed these reports. NFL analyst Joe DeLeone shared that the 24-year-old has very little trade value. 

“I feel like he has a better chance of starting. Who is going to trade for Shedeur Sanders right now?” said DeLeone on 92.3 The Fan. “I don’t think anybody looks at Sanders and sees him as a proven commodity that’s worth trading for unless there’s a situation where a team suffers a devastating injury to its starter.” 

DeLeone added that many teams don’t want the extra attention and media coverage that comes with Sanders if he becomes their backup QB.

DeLeone concluded by saying that although Sanders has a lot to prove, he will step onto the field as the Browns' starter at some point this season.

Should the Browns keep Shedeur Sanders as a safety net for Watson, or trade him to the QB-hungry Jets? What do you think? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Naomi Grace

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore