Could the Bengals Be the Perfect Trade Partner for Browns QB Shedeur Sanders?

The Cleveland Browns have several options if they decide to move rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders ahead of the NFL’s November 4 trade deadline. With the recent injury to Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, who is expected to be sidelined for up to three months, the market for quarterbacks is heating up, creating potential opportunities for trades. Currently, the Browns are leaning towards keeping Sanders on the roster, but his long-term future with the team remains uncertain.

Last updated: 14 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Joe Burrow's injury opens up trade possibilities for rookie QB Shedeur Sanders.
• The Bengals are actively seeking quarterback options in the wake of Burrow's surgery.
• Joe Flacco remains the starting quarterback for the Browns as they navigate a tough schedule.
• Shedeur Sanders is not currently being utilised as a scout team quarterback in practice.
• The Browns may consider a quarterback draft pick in 2026, affecting Sanders' future.

Joe Burrow's Injury: A Game-Changer for the Bengals

Joe Burrow's turf toe injury, which requires surgery and is expected to keep him out for a minimum of three months, has sent shockwaves through the Bengals' organisation. The loss of their starting quarterback not only impacts their season but also creates a pressing need for a capable backup. Reports confirm that the Bengals are exploring both free-agent quarterbacks and potential trades to fill this gap.

With the free-agent market being relatively thin, the Bengals are likely to explore all options. Notable names like Taylor Heinicke and John Wolford are among the most experienced available, but their performance in recent seasons has raised questions about their reliability. Thus, the Bengals are also looking into trades, suggesting that they could reach out to the Browns regarding Shedeur Sanders.

Cleveland's Current Quarterback Situation

As it stands, the Browns are 0-2 in the season, with Joe Flacco entrenched as the starting quarterback. Having signed Flacco to provide experience, the Browns seem committed to allowing him to lead the team through a challenging early schedule. Rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel has seen limited action, with only a brief appearance during garbage time against the Baltimore Ravens.

Mary Kay Cabot from Cleveland.com reported that neither Gabriel nor Sanders is likely to see significant playing time until the Browns navigate through their tough initial games. This means that Flacco's role as a starter may extend longer than initially anticipated.

The Case for Keeping Shedeur Sanders

Despite the buzz surrounding Shedeur Sanders, who has garnered attention due to his impressive college career, the Browns appear to favour Dillon Gabriel over him. Reports indicate that Sanders is not even running the scout team, typically a role for third-string quarterbacks, as he has been mostly observing practice rather than participating actively.

According to ESPN Cleveland's Tony Rizzo, the lack of engagement in practice raises questions about Sanders' value to the team. "I’m hearing Shedeur isn’t even running scout team, he’s literally watching everyone," Rizzo said. "Why is he on the team? Why is he here?” This sentiment reflects a growing concern about Sanders' future with the organisation.

Trade Possibilities for Shedeur Sanders

As the trade deadline approaches, the Browns may consider moving Sanders if they believe it is in the best interest of the team. The injury to Burrow creates a unique opportunity; the Bengals may be willing to take a chance on a rookie quarterback who has shown potential. If the Browns decide to make a move, they could benefit from the Bengals' desperation to find a reliable backup.

However, the Browns' decision to trade Sanders hinges on various factors, including Flacco's performance, Gabriel's development, and their long-term strategy. If Flacco plays until Week 6 or 7, and Gabriel performs well, Sanders could be left without any substantial playing time this season, making him potentially expendable.

Potential Landing Spots for Sanders

If the Browns do explore trades, several teams may express interest in Sanders. The Bengals are a primary candidate, particularly given the urgency created by Burrow's injury. Other teams with quarterback needs could also enter the conversation, especially if they view Sanders as a developmental prospect worth investing in.

For instance, teams like the New York Jets, who have struggled with quarterback consistency, or the Atlanta Falcons, looking for a reliable backup, might consider Sanders if he becomes available. Each of these teams could provide a more favourable environment for Sanders to develop his skills and gain playing time.

The Future of Shedeur Sanders

Looking ahead, the future of Shedeur Sanders with the Browns is uncertain. If he doesn't see action this season, the team may be inclined to draft a quarterback in 2026, especially considering they hold their own first-round pick and Jacksonville’s. This could further complicate Sanders' prospects, as he would need to compete with a highly touted draft pick for a position on the roster.

While there's a possibility that Sanders could eventually earn playing time, the current trajectory suggests that he faces an uphill battle. Flacco's experience and Gabriel's potential performance could delay Sanders' opportunity to shine until the latter part of the season, if at all.

Conclusion: What Lies Ahead for the Browns and Shedeur Sanders?

The situation surrounding Shedeur Sanders and the Cleveland Browns is fluid. With the trade deadline looming, the team must weigh its options carefully. While Sanders has talent, the current depth chart and the team's performance will heavily influence his future. If the Browns can leverage his potential in a trade with the Bengals or another team, it might be in their best interest to do so.

As the NFL season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the quarterback dynamics unfold, especially in light of Burrow's injury. Will the Browns keep Sanders, or will they decide to move him to a team in need? The coming weeks will be crucial for all parties involved.

Will the Browns make a strategic move before the trade deadline? This question remains unanswered as we await further developments. #NFLTradeDeadline #Browns #ShedeurSanders

FAQs

What injury did Joe Burrow suffer?

Joe Burrow suffered a turf toe injury requiring surgery, which is expected to sideline him for a minimum of three months.

Why is Shedeur Sanders not playing for the Browns?

Shedeur Sanders is not currently playing due to the Browns favouring Joe Flacco as the starter and Dillon Gabriel as the backup, leaving Sanders as an inactive participant in practices.

Could the Bengals be interested in trading for Sanders?

Yes, with Joe Burrow's injury creating a need for a quarterback, the Bengals may show interest in trading for Sanders to bolster their roster.

What are the Browns' options with Sanders before the trade deadline?

The Browns can either retain Sanders, trade him to a team in need, or allow him to develop further while monitoring the performance of their current quarterbacks.

When is the NFL trade deadline?

The NFL trade deadline is set for November 4, 2023, and teams will be making strategic decisions leading up to that date.