Sportsnaut
While the Cleveland Browns have publicly stated their willingness to roster four quarterbacks this season, many around the league expect one of the signal-callers to be traded this summer. Some have even wondered if that could mean dealing either Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders.
Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network said on a recent appearance of The Insiders that Cleveland is not expected to consider a trade involving either Sanders or Gabriel. Both rookies are anticipated to remain on the Browns roster through the 2025 NFL season.
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Reporting thus far from the Browns’ quarterback battle has made it clear that neither Sanders nor Gabriel is really in the competition to be the Week 1 starter. Instead, it’s more of a battle between veterans Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco. As of now, Flacco has the edge.
Still, many NFL teams have anticipated one of the Browns’ quarterbacks eventually being shopped in August. Pickett would be the likely option, as he can provide some veteran depth and has experience as a starter. Although it’s unclear if Cleveland would be able to recoup what it gave up for him (2025 fifth-round pick).
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As for the two rookies, Sanders hasn’t received a single first-team rep this offseason with the club, whereas Gabriel has at least received a few opportunities. It further highlights how the Browns’ coaching staff feels about the two rookies, with Gabriel clearly ahead of Sanders.
Cleveland has also made it clear that good decision-making is a priority for its quarterbacks. Sanders’ pair of citations for speeding certainly didn’t help him in that regard. As of now, even if Pickett is traded, it appears likely that Sanders will find himself behind Flacco and Gabriel on the Browns’ depth chart in September.
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