Shedeur Sanders has handed the Cleveland Browns yet another talking point before the NFL trade deadline by bringing in an agent for the first time since turning pro. The decision has sparked speculation about the quarterback’s future while Cleveland weighs what to do with four healthy quarterbacks on its roster.
Per ESPN, Sanders has agreed to work with Adie von Gontard, the CEO of Young Money APAA Sports, who also counts his former college teammate Travis Hunter among his clients. With the November 10 trade deadline drawing closer, the timing of the hire has only fueled chatter that Sanders might be on his way out of Cleveland.
Shedeur Sanders trade speculation heats up following agent hire
Sanders’ choice to bring in representation stands out because, as a player taken in the 2025 draft, he is not allowed to start negotiating a new deal with his team until after the 2027 season. That makes the moment he chose to make the move especially noteworthy, since he could easily have put it off until a later point in his career.
A recent case also shows how a similar step can come right before a trade. Arizona Cardinals receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. brought in an agent for the first time on October 9, and word of his upcoming move surfaced less than a day later. By October 11, the deal was done, sending him to Houston.
An agent could assist Sanders in finding out whether other teams have interest in acquiring him before the deadline. Should opportunities arise, his representation could also help determine whether a move would work in favor of both the player and the Browns.
Still, bringing in an agent does not prove that a trade is in the works, and what Sanders does next remains unclear.
Browns’ quarterback room keeps Sanders in the spotlight
Cleveland currently carries four healthy quarterbacks: Sanders, Deshaun Watson, Dillon Gabriel, and rookie Taylen Green. Through the first four weeks of the season, Gabriel was on injured reserve, which made it simpler for the Browns to hold onto all four players.
Watson worked as the starter, Sanders served as his backup, and Green stayed in the mix as a developmental option. Gabriel’s return has shifted the picture, possibly giving Cleveland a reason to think about moving one of its quarterbacks before the deadline.
Sanders had earlier been seen as a possible choice to take over the starting job if Watson got off to a rough start this season. Instead, Watson has guided the Browns to a 3-2 record and posted three fourth-quarter comebacks, solidifying his hold on the starting role.
Sanders started seven games for Cleveland last season, and new head coach Todd Monken gave him a chance to compete for the starting job during training camp. Watson ended up winning the role, leaving Sanders’ spot in the quarterback rotation open to debate.
Buccaneers and Jaguars surface as potential landing spots
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be one possibility if they choose to bolster their quarterback depth. Baker Mayfield is coping with a thumb injury, leaving undrafted rookie Jalen Daniels as the starter. Easton Stick has filled the backup role over the past two weeks, meaning Sanders could provide another option at the position.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are another potential destination, especially since a move would pair Sanders back up with Hunter. Jacksonville’s backup quarterback situation has been unsettled, with Nick Mullens released during training camp before the team traded for Quinn Ewers in late August.
If head coach Liam Coen thinks Sanders would be an upgrade over Ewers, the Jaguars could look into making a push. Even so, there is no confirmation that Jacksonville has shown interest in the Cleveland quarterback.
Broncos and Cowboys present other trade possibilities
A move to the Denver Broncos would bring Sanders back to Colorado, where he played the last two years of his college career under his father, Deion Sanders. Denver has Bo Nix as its starter, with Jarrett Stidham as the backup and Sam Ehlinger also on the roster.
Head coach Sean Payton could think about adding another quarterback to the mix. He has known Sanders and his family for over ten years and spoke well of the young quarterback before the 2024 NFL Draft.
“I saw [Shedeur] when he was in junior high, and then I saw him in high school,” Payton said. “He’s going to, like there’ll be this chip on his shoulder, and beware because this guy is going to play in this league.”
The Dallas Cowboys are another team worth mentioning. Deion Sanders spent five seasons in Dallas during his Hall of Fame career, and that link could make the idea of bringing Shedeur to the team appealing to owner Jerry Jones. The younger Sanders could potentially work as a backup to Dak Prescott.
Dolphins might look at Sanders even with season slipping away
The Miami Dolphins are also a possible destination, though their plan for the rest of the season could shape whether they go after a trade. Sitting at 0-5, Miami may be more concerned with its long-term outlook than adding another quarterback.
The Dolphins have Malik Willis as their starter and Kyle McCord behind him, leaving space for another option with starting experience. Sanders could therefore enter the conversation if Miami chooses to add to its quarterback depth.
For now, there is no guarantee that Cleveland will trade Sanders. His new representation, the Browns’ crowded quarterback room, and the looming November 10 deadline have still made him a name to keep an eye on as the trade market takes shape.