The bad news saga for quarterback Shedeur Sanders is not coming to an end. In the recent update, he received a deadline for his job as a QB1 for the Cleveland Browns. 

While interacting with Shannon Sharpe and Joe Johnson on the Nightcap YouTube channel, former wide receiver Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson gave a six-week deadline to Shedeur Sanders that if he does not bridge the gap, he might end up as QB2 through the 2026 NFL season.

“Whether you're a Cleveland Browns fan or not, Deshaun Watson is a starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns,” Chad said. “The job that Deshun Watson is gonna get...He has six weeks. I guarantee you…”

This claim is coming from the recent developments made during the voluntary minicamp that happened back in May 2026, to the three-day mandatory minicamp. 

“If he's not, Shador Sanders will follow and fall in line as the backup and be the starter for the remainder of the season,” Chad added. 

Per ESPN Cleveland, Sanders recorded 79 out of 113 completions, among which he scored five touchdowns and was intercepted three times. 

Similarly, for Watson, the numbers were much better. He scored 13 TDs in 90 completions over 133 attempts. He was intercepted just three times.

The difference is evident.

During the camp, head coach Todd Monken also publicly addressed Watson’s performance over Sanders’ performance in the camp.

Watson became the new favorite. Monken also gave him more QB runs over Sanders based on his performance in the minicamps and OTAs. 

As the Browns' QB1 battle continues, speculation about a potential Shedeur Sanders trade has begun circulating throughout the NFL community.

Trade Speculation Continues to Surround Shedeur Sanders

Ahead of the 2026 NFL season, ESPN Cleveland's Tom Rizzo has revealed that the Cleveland Browns are receiving calls for the potential trade of Shedeur Sanders. 

"There are talks, ongoing calls about the availability of Shedeur Sanders,” Rizzo said... "I’m going to say right now, for the record, I don’t think the four quarterbacks are going to camp on July 28."

One of the prominent options is the Detroit Lions, who are looking for a proven QB2 option for their star QB1, Jared Goff. 

Although Rizzo has clarified that the potential landing spots are just speculations at the moment, the chatter around potential trade calls is true. 

His claim is further reinforced by CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards, who suggested the potential places where Sanders could land.

Per Edwards,  Sanders could end up with the Detroit Lions, Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts, Carolina Panthers, Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and New York Jets.

Shedeur Sanders still has some time left to redeem himself as the QB1 option for the Browns.

Read more at Quarter Back Central!

Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker