Cleveland Browns Linked To Bold Trade Swapping Shedeur Sanders For $21M Quarterback

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

The Cleveland Browns still have a big question at quarterback as the 2026 season gets closer. They have not picked a clear starter yet. That gives Shedeur Sanders a chance to win the job, but nothing is certain right now.

Sanders showed some good moments during his rookie season in 2025. He made a few strong plays and looked confident at times. But he did not do enough to fully secure the starting role. Now, the Browns have a tough decision to make as they try to find stability at quarterback.

Some reports say the team could make a crazy move. There is talk that Cleveland might trade Sanders and look for a new quarterback to lead the offense.

Browns Eye JJ McCarthy As Possible Solution

FanSided’s Austen Bundy floated an idea that could shake things up. He suggested the Browns should look into trading for JJ McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings.

“McCarthy still has a lot of upside and Cleveland needs a long-term solution at passer,” Bundy said. “Deshaun Watson will eventually go and neither Shedeur Sanders nor Dillon Gabriel have stepped up to take the reins.”

McCarthy’s future with the Minnesota is not clear right now. He struggled during the 2025 season and could not keep his momentum. The team responded by bringing in Kyler Murray to compete for the starting job.

Minnesota also brought back Carson Wentz, who played well in limited games last season. That adds more pressure on McCarthy. If things do not go well in training camp, he could drop down the depth chart.

Cleveland could give McCarthy a fresh start. He is still young at 23 and has potential. A new team and system might help him improve.

For the Browns, this move would not be very risky. They would be giving a young quarterback a chance to develop, while also moving on from the uncertainty around Shedeur Sanders.

At the same time, the Browns have made another move to support their offense. They added Tytus Howard from the Houston Texans in exchange for a fifth-round pick. The move is aimed at improving protection and helping Sanders develop better.

Nothing is confirmed yet, and the team has not said anything officially. But this idea shows the Browns are still open to changes at quarterback. The next few weeks could decide the future of their offense.