3 trade destinations for Shedeur Sanders if he loses starting QB job

It took part of his rookie season to materialize, but by the end of 2025, Shedeur Sanders had found himself in the starting quarterback role for the Cleveland Browns. However, he might not even be with the franchise come the end of 2026.

Sanders is currently trailing veteran Deshaun Watson in Cleveland’s quarterback battle, though he has apparently closed the gap in some fashion, and recent reports out of Cleveland have indicated the Browns might trade Sanders if he doesn’t win the starting quarterback job. But where might Sanders end up next season?

The Cardinals spent seven seasons with Kyler Murray as the starting quarterback, but released him this offseason after he played just five games in 2025 due to injury. Jacoby Brissett is the presumed starter, but exactly what the ceiling under Brissett will be is still to be determined.

To make matters worse, the two parties have been in contract disputes throughout the offseason. Bringing in Sanders would allow the young quarterback a chance to legitimately compete for a starting job and give the franchise leverage over Brissett.

The Jets could be desperate in the near future. Geno Smith has been the presumed starter, but is under investigation after an accusation of battery by an ex-partner. The other three quarterbacks on the roster? Bailey Zappe, Brady Cook, and Cade Klubnik. None of those names really move the needle, or even inspire confidence. If things go south with Geno, they need a starter – they may see that in Sanders.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: 3 trade destinations for Shedeur Sanders if he loses starting QB job