The NFL rumor mill is heating up as reports circulate about the Cleveland Browns potentially using one of their quarterbacks—Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, Joe Flacco, or Kenny Pickett—as trade bait. With an unusually deep quarterback room heading into the 2025 season, there’s a “league-wide belief” that the Browns won’t keep all of them on the final 53-man roster. This has sparked speculation that a trade may be on the horizon, especially as teams across the league monitor the Browns’ situation closely.
Shedeur Sanders, a college football icon from the Colorado Buffaloes and the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, entered the league with massive fanfare and high expectations. While his name brings instant recognition, insiders believe the Browns view Sanders as a developmental project rather than an immediate starter. Despite his potential, trading him this early would be surprising, unless a team offers a strong package banking on his long-term upside.
Dillon Gabriel, the former Oklahoma star, also joined the Browns as a promising rookie. His quick release and playmaking ability caught attention during offseason activities. However, much like Sanders, Gabriel is considered a long-term asset rather than a player Cleveland would be eager to part with right away. Trading either rookie before they’ve had a chance to develop would go against the Browns’ typical approach under GM Andrew Berry.
That leaves veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett as the more likely trade candidates. Flacco, a Super Bowl MVP with vast playoff experience, showed last season that he can still perform at a high level. If he loses the starting competition in Cleveland, he could be a valuable addition for a contending team looking for a reliable backup or insurance option. On the other hand, Kenny Pickett, a former first-round pick from the Pittsburgh Steelers, is still young and has starting experience. His contract and pedigree make him perhaps the most valuable trade chip among the group.
The Browns are expected to keep three quarterbacks, meaning at least