The Cleveland Browns drafted Shedeur Sanders with expectations, but the 23-year-old quarterback hasn’t practiced with the starting offense yet. He’s currently listed as the team’s fourth-string quarterback behind Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel.
Sanders made headlines this offseason for speeding violations that temporarily overshadowed his rookie season preparations.
Former NFL All-Pro cornerback Asante Samuel Sr. recently suggested on his “Say What Needs to Be Said” livestream that Sanders could be a trade target for Jacksonville. The move would reunite Sanders with his Colorado teammate Travis Hunter, who the Jaguars selected in this year’s draft.
“Trevor Lawrence has two number one receivers—is he going to be able to get them the ball?” Samuel said. “I think not. Lawrence isn’t as good as he was as a college prospect.”
Samuel acknowledged the trade scenario faces significant obstacles. No team would want to absorb Lawrence’s contract, which runs through 2030.
Lawrence’s deal carries a cap hit exceeding $70 million in each of his final two seasons. While the 25-year-old quarterback has the physical tools that would interest other franchises, his contract makes him essentially untradeable.
The Browns haven’t shown they’re ready to move Sanders either. Despite his fourth-string status, the organization invested draft capital in him and likely wants to see his development during training camp.
Sanders faces immediate competition from Gabriel, who Cleveland selected ahead of him in the draft.
Jacksonville remains committed to Lawrence as their franchise quarterback. The team built around him with weapons like Calvin Ridley and drafted Hunter to add another target.
A Sanders-to-Hunter connection at the professional level would generate significant fan interest, but it’s not realistic in the current salary cap environment.
