Insider believes Kevin Stefanski would trade Shedeur Sanders amid Browns QB shuffle

Aman Sharma

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Insider believes Kevin Stefanski would trade Shedeur Sanders amid Browns QB shuffle image

The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation continues to stir debate after the team drafted two rookies in 2025.

Dillon Gabriel, a third-round pick, has held the starting role, while Shedeur Sanders, selected in the fifth round, has yet to take a regular-season snap. The discussion reignited this week after veteran Joe Flacco’s trade to the Cincinnati Bengals pushed Cleveland toward a developmental phase rather than an immediate playoff push.

During ESPN Cleveland’s "The Really Big Show" on Friday, longtime Browns insider Tony Grossi suggested that head coach Kevin Stefanski might not view Sanders as part of the team’s long-term plans.

“I would say true,” Grossi replied when asked if Stefanski would deal Sanders before the trade deadline if given full control. He added that while Stefanski doesn’t “personally dislike Sanders,” he “just doesn’t think he considers him a quarterback of value.”

Cleveland’s handling of its rookie quarterbacks has been closely watched all season. Gabriel has started three games, throwing for 546 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions with a 59.8 percent completion rate.

Sanders, meanwhile, has been elevated to the backup role but remains untested in regular-season action.

Stefanski’s stance fuels speculation on Browns’ QB direction

Sanders entered the NFL with impressive college credentials, throwing for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns in 2024 while leading the Big 12 with a 74.1 percent completion rate. Still, his limited first-team practice reps have left his role uncertain.

Speculation around his future intensified when multiple outlets placed him on potential trade lists, linking his name to hypothetical deals for top receivers, including New York Jets star Garrett Wilson.

Reports indicate the Browns’ front office, led by Andrew Berry, maintains that drafting both Gabriel and Sanders was “a decision that we thought was best for the team.” However, rumors persist that owner Jimmy Haslam had a hand in Sanders’ selection.

Stefanski, who admitted that trading Flacco “was not something that we saw coming,” now faces decisions that could define Cleveland’s offensive direction.

Grossi noted that the team could call up Bailey Zappe from the practice squad if Sanders is traded before the Nov. 4 deadline. With Deshaun Watson (Achilles) possibly returning to practice after the Week 9 bye, the Browns appear to have coverage at the position.

“If the Browns feel that they’re covered and they have an offer (for Sanders), why not?” Grossi said.

Whether the Browns keep Sanders as a long-term project or move him for immediate help, Stefanski’s decision will reveal whether Cleveland is building for the future or trying to salvage the present.

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