The Cleveland Browns have a quarterback controversy, and it looks like Shedeur Sanders might be the odd man out. After a 2025 season where Sanders earned a Pro Bowl nod, he's now reportedly losing the starting job to Deshaun Watson, per longtime NFL insider Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com. If the Browns officially name Watson QB1, as expected, Sanders could become a valuable trade chip. Let's break down three teams that should be calling Cleveland's front office.
New York Jets
The Jets are stuck in quarterback purgatory yet again. Geno Smith is the starter for now, but New York is clearly looking for options. They recently hosted Russell Wilson for a visit, but a younger, more dynamic option like Shedeur Sanders could be a perfect fit. Sanders would bring energy and a big arm to the Big Apple, and the New York media would eat up his personality. Pairing him with Smith would give the Jets a solid one-two punch, and Sanders could develop into a long-term answer. The Jets have been searching for a franchise quarterback for decades—why not take a flier on a proven Pro Bowl talent?
Miami Dolphins
Miami made a splash this offseason by signing Malik Willis to a three-year, $67.5 million deal. But Willis is still unproven as a full-time starter. Behind him, the Dolphins have little depth after moving on from Tua Tagovailoa and Quinn Ewers failing to impress. Sanders could provide insurance and competition for Willis. If Willis struggles, the Dolphins would have a ready-made replacement who just made the Pro Bowl. The AFC East is wide open, and adding Sanders could push Miami over the top.
Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes is recovering from a torn ACL, and while he's expected to be ready for the 2026 season, the Chiefs need a reliable backup. They signed Justin Fields this offseason, but Fields has his own inconsistencies. Kansas City also drafted LSU's Garrett Nussmeier in the seventh round, but he's a project. Sanders would immediately upgrade the backup spot and could even push Fields for the starting job if Mahomes isn't fully healthy early on. The Chiefs have a championship window open, and having a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback as insurance is a luxury they can't afford to pass up.
It's still unclear what the Browns will ask for in return, but with Watson firmly in the driver's seat, Sanders' time in Cleveland appears to be limited. These three teams should be on the phone right now.
