Browns trade proposal would ditch Shedeur Sanders for $21 million NFC quarterback originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Cleveland Browns have yet to add a quarterback to the roster this offseason, which means Shedeur Sanders could end up being the team’s starter in 2026.
Advertisement
Sanders showed promise during his rookie campaign in 2025, but he hasn’t done enough to solidify the starting job for the upcoming season.
Though Dillon Gabriel and Deshaun Watson should provide some competition to Sanders, FanSided’s Austen Bundy believes Cleveland should also consider trading for Minnesota Vikings signal-caller J.J. McCarthy.
“McCarthy still has a lot of upside and Cleveland needs a long-term solution at passer. Deshaun Watson will eventually go and neither Shedeur Sanders nor Dillon Gabriel have stepped up to take the reins,” Bundy said.
McCarthy’s future in Minnesota is incredibly uncertain, as he had a rough 2025 season, and as a result, the Vikings brought in Kyler Murray to compete for the starting spot with the Michigan product.
Advertisement
Minnesota also re-signed Carson Wentz, who played well for them in five starts last year. There’s a chance Wentz could beat out McCarthy for the QB3 role.
A fresh start would be incredibly beneficial for McCarthy, and Cleveland would be a logical landing spot. The 23-year-old would receive the chance to win the Browns’ QB1 job and get his career on track with a change of scenery.
As for the Browns, taking a flyer on a young quarterback like McCarthy comes with little risk, but could net a huge reward if he takes steps in the right direction in 2026.
More NFL News