Shedeur Sanders’ future with the Cleveland Browns has drawn attention after he hired his first agent, Adie von Gontard, ahead of the November 10 trade deadline.

The move sparked speculation that Cleveland could consider trading the young quarterback. However, hiring an agent does not automatically mean Sanders wants to leave.

In a report for The Athletic, NFL insider Jonathan Jones said a deal would surprise him after speaking with multiple league and team sources.

“The Browns dealing Sanders by the deadline would be a stunner, Jones wrote.”

Sanders represented himself before hiring von Gontard, who works with Young Money APAA Sports. The timing has invited questions because an agent can communicate with other teams about a potential move.

However, Jones’ reporting points away from an imminent departure for the young quarterback. Cleveland selected Sanders in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, giving the team time to assess his development.

Andrew Berry’s investment in the quarterback could prove significant

Cleveland Browns' general manager Andrew Berry reportedly has strong faith in Shedeur Sanders, who has more than two seasons left on an inexpensive rookie contract.

Deshaun Watson’s situation also matters. Watson is in the final year of his contract and has a lengthy injury history, giving Cleveland reason to preserve its options.

Trading Sanders would remove a young option from the quarterback room, and the NF insider's report suggests Cleveland is more likely to keep evaluating him than move him before the deadline.

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Sayantan