Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Linked to NFC Powerhouse
The Cleveland Browns traded up in the fifth round of the NFL Draft to land Shedeur Sanders, likely aware that another team was waiting to pounce.
Sanders’ much-discussed slide from a projected early first-rounder to No. 144 overall ended in Cleveland. Multiple teams had interest in Sanders as a developmental prospect, including the previously reported Baltimore Ravens and the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, according to former NFL MVP Cam Newton.
“My source tells me that it wasn’t just the Baltimore Ravens. It was three teams. The Cleveland Browns, the Philadelphia Eagles, and it was also the Baltimore Ravens,” Newton said on his podcast recently. “The Philadelphia Eagles — Jalen Hurts has been nothing less than the model citizen. And of course, he’s thinking to himself like, you’re talking about development, you’re talking about preparing him to be a potential starting quarterback.”
The Eagles held pick No. 145. The Browns traded two late-round picks to the Seattle Seahawks to leapforg Philly.
Shedeur Sanders Unlikely to See Field With Browns
Both the Ravens and Eagles already have entrenched starters — two-time MVP Lamar Jackson and Hurts — meaning Sanders likely faced a long road if he ended up with either franchise.
“All money ain’t good money,” Newton said. “He knew he wouldn’t play unless Lamar or Jalen got hurt.”
Still, his path in Cleveland looks similar. He enters the season as the No. 3 quarterback behind 40-year-old Joe Flacco and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel. The former Colorado star is not expected to see the field this year.
“For all the football conspiracy theorists out there trying to decode the real reason the Cleveland Browns drafted Shedeur Sanders, here’s the truth: There is no big secret. The pick wasn’t some master plan from ownership,” Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported. “It was GM Andrew Berry’s call, rooted in his belief that Cleveland’s coaching staff could bring out the best in Sanders and help him grow into an NFL quarterback. It will be a process, and the Browns want to keep developing him.
“Don’t plan on seeing the fifth-round pick on the field this season unless things get really weird. Cleveland believes in Joe Flacco’s experience and Dillon Gabriel’s development as the backup.”
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Dodges Question on Draft
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Sunday that the Ravens had planned to select Sanders in the fifth round of the draft, but the former Colorado standout told Baltimore not to take him. According to Schefter, Sanders made it clear he didn’t want to join a roster with Jackson and settle into a backup role.
Sanders was asked about the report following Cleveland’s loss to Baltimore and declined to give clarity.
“My response is I’m focused on the now,” Sanders said. “I don’t really talk about anything in the past, and whatever happened in the past, it is what it is. I’m more focused on how this game went and figuring out how to move forward from here.
“You wouldn’t even believe, my memory doesn’t go back that far. I don’t even remember anything post-draft. I just remember I’m here, I go to practice every day, and it’s a 24-hour rule. … It serves no purpose in my life.”
The Browns face the Green Bay Packers this week. Flacco remains the starter, although calls are beginning to grow for Gabriel to take over.
Top 3 Chris Olave Trade Landing Spots If Saints Opt To Sell
The New Orleans Saints didn't seem to have high hopes coming into the season, but they've quickly gotten off to a 0-2 start to the year. The Saints have been in a few close games, but it's clear they're not going to be a Super Bowl in the near future, which could lead them to sell on some of their top stars this year.
One of the players who could land on the trade block is star wide receiver Chris Olave. Olave is the top option in New Orleans, but he might be better off with a contender. The Saints would be better off netting a solid draft pick in return, too.
But who are the top suitors for Olave, if the Saints opt to sell?
New York Jets
The New York Jets make sense as a fit for a few reasons. Obviously, the Jets need to add another wide receiver alongside Garrett Wilson because Wilson has been the team's only viable wide receiver this year.
The connection between Olave, Wilson, and Jets quarterback Justin Fields is striking, too. This trio was dominant in college, as teammates at Ohio State.
The fit makes perfect sense, and the Jets have the draft capital to make it happen. If New York could pull off a trade and quickly sign Olave to a new contract, it'd be better set for the future.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a clear suitor if they see themselves as potential contenders.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers desperately needs another option opposite of DK Metcalf. Calvin Austin has been slid, but he's much better as a No. 3 or No. 4 receiver. The fit makes perfect sense, and the Steelers have shown the aggressiveness it would take to make a huge deal like this come to fruition.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have quickly emerged as a potential buyer this season after getting off to a slow start to the season. It's clear Patrick Mahomes needs help at wide receiver, and a trade for Olave would bring the support the Chiefs need.
They might be the top suitor at this point in time because there's almost no chance the Chiefs accept their fate and give up on the season. Instead, they're more likely to go after a big trade like this to turn the season around.
