The Cleveland Browns fell to the Cincinnati Bengals in the season opener. While there were some bright moments, quarterback Shedeur Sanders remains on the bench with no clear future in Cleveland. Throughout training camp and the preseason, Sanders didn’t get many reps — or much recognition — on the field. However, he was gaining attention for what he was doing off the field.
“I’ll be honest with you, I’ve never seen what Shedeur Sanders is doing this early on in a player’s career,” Cecil Shorts said on Cleveland’s 92.3 The Fan. “I’ve never seen that before, I’ve never seen a rookie come into the league and before he even played a snap is already in the Garden Valley Projects … All the things he’s doing (in the community). It’s a special thing he’s doing, that’s not normal.”
With limited opportunities in practice, Sanders spent most of his time throwing passes to members of the equipment staff.
“Shedeur Sanders apparently is throwing not to receivers but to equipment guys. They have got equipment guys snapping him the ball and then also running the routes. Mahomes is throwing to Kelce, Shedeur is throwing to equipment guys,” ESPN’s Aaron Goldhammer said.
Now, there’s speculation that Sanders could be traded to a team where he’s more appreciated — and where he has a clearer future. One trade pitch sends him to the Los Angeles Rams.
“The Los Angeles Rams have Super Bowl aspirations this season after finishing 10-7 last year and making an appearance in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs. While they still have a ton of talent on the roster, all the hope in LA hinges on the health and performance of 37-year-old, 17-year veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford,” SI’s Andy Quach wrote. “Considering he's already dealing with a lingering back issue along with rumors of severe regression, the Rams would be wise to have a solid contingency plan in place, a much better one than Jimmy Garoppolo. Trading for Shedeur Sanders would give them a low-cost prospect with towering potential and allow him to learn from one of the best QBs in league history. Letting him take over the offense with Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, and Kyren Williams at his disposal could mark the beginning of a dynasty.”
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This would place Sanders in a far more stable environment, surrounded by veteran stars. It would also give him the development path he’s currently missing in Cleveland. A move to Los Angeles could be the perfect fit — both for Sanders' growth and for the Rams’ long-term outlook at quarterback.