Shedeur Sanders has several reasons to consider a fresh start outside the Cleveland Browns. He has yet to start a game this season, and with Deshaun Watson playing well enough to remain the starter for now, Sanders’ path to playing time remains unclear.

The young quarterback recently hired an agent for the first time in his NFL career, fueling speculation about a potential trade.

However, one NFL insider believes the trade rumors may be premature, explaining why Cleveland might be in no rush to move Sanders.

Jonathan Jones Casts Doubt on Shedeur Sanders’ Trade Rumors

Writing for The Athletic, Jones pointed to general manager Andrew Berry’s investment in Sanders and his belief in the young quarterback as reasons Cleveland may be reluctant to trade him.

Jones also suggested that Sanders’ decision to hire Adie von Gontard of Young Money APAA Sports in October does not necessarily signal a desire to leave Cleveland. Instead, the move could be about planning for his future beyond the 2026 season.

“If Sanders is seeking a trade, that might be difficult. (Andrew) Berry is said to have a great affection for Sanders, whom he took a chance on 18 months ago while the rest of the NFL passed over him several times,” Jones wrote.

Berry selected Sanders in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft after several quarterback-needy teams passed on the Colorado product, who had entered the draft with first-round expectations.

His fall to Day 3 gives Cleveland reason to keep evaluating his potential, especially with two more seasons of team control remaining after 2026.

Sanders’ inexpensive rookie contract also makes him an affordable backup who could develop into a starting option, giving the Browns little incentive to trade him now.

The Browns have, however, struggled offensively this season, ranking No. 25 in the league with a PFN Offense Impact Score%20assigns,red%20zone%20and%20third%20downs.) of 71.2. The unit has relied heavily on Watson’s late-game heroics while battling inconsistency, a rebuilding offensive line, and a sluggish running game.

Watson currently holds the starting job under coach Todd Monken, but his contract expires after the 2026 season, and injuries remain a concern. Keeping Sanders would give Cleveland another option if Watson misses time or leaves in free agency.

The Browns have Dillon Gabriel, whom they selected in the 2025 draft, but he has yet to establish himself as a reliable NFL starter. With both young quarterbacks still developing, Cleveland may prefer to keep Sanders rather than make a decision on his future too soon.

Jones acknowledged that plans could change as the deadline approaches, but he still considers a trade unlikely.

“Anything can happen over the next few weeks, but the Browns dealing Sanders by the deadline would be a stunner.”

Still, trade rumors continue to swirl, with the Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Denver Broncos, and Arizona Cardinals emerging as potential landing spots for the 24-year-old. Each team could view him as a backup option or a potential solution to an unsettled quarterback situation.