Rizzo indicated that there are ongoing conversations about Sanders’ availability. He suggested that the Browns may not view him as the long-term answer, noting that, in his view, all four quarterbacks might not report to camp together on July 28. He emphasized that nothing is imminent, but that discussions are happening and could benefit both parties.
This speculation opened the door for a hypothetical three-team trade concept involving the Browns, the Arizona Cardinals, and the New England Patriots. In the proposed scenario, wide receiver Michael Wilson would go to New England. Arizona would receive Sanders, wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, and Cleveland’s 2027 fourth-round pick. Cleveland would acquire quarterback Jacoby Brissett and New England’s 2027 third-round pick.
For Sanders, the trade would present a fresh start with the Cardinals and a chance to compete for a longer-term role in a room lacking a clear stalwart option.
What a Brissett return could mean for Cleveland
If the Browns were not sold on Sanders, the proposal would represent a significant move. Cleveland selected Sanders in the fifth round, making him a low-cost investment with upside. In this scenario, Sanders plus a fourth-round pick would be swapped for Brissett and a third-round pick. Brissett would bring a familiar veteran presence to Cleveland and potentially improve draft capital in a year when the franchise could be looking for a long-term solution through the draft.
Brissett is no stranger to Cleveland, having started 11 games for the Browns in 2022 while Watson was suspended, delivering steady if unspectacular play. He threw for 2,608 yards, 12 touchdowns, and six interceptions on a 64% completion rate that season. More recently, Brissett had a productive campaign with the Cardinals, appearing in 14 games with 12 starts and posting 3,366 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Although Arizona struggled, Brissett demonstrated he could handle a starting workload and protect the football.
Such a move could be valuable if the Browns question whether Watson can still perform at a high level and if Sanders does not fit into the future plans. Brissett would not be a long-term solution but could serve as a bridge while the franchise contends with its quarterback strategy in the near term.
Browns still appear poised to evaluate Sanders
Public comments from the Browns consistently point toward giving Sanders a real chance to compete with Watson in training camp and preseason. The coaching staff has not named a starter after minicamp, and it remains clear that the team wants to see the quarterbacks operate in more realistic game settings before deciding.
The head coach and offensive coordinator have emphasized a rotation to begin camp, with the expectation that both players will receive opportunities to prove themselves. The organization is adamant that a lack of separation between the quarterbacks is not being treated as a dead end; both players have earned the chance to continue competing once pads are on.
With Watson heading into the final year of his contract and dealing with prior injury concerns, the appeal of Sanders as an affordable, developing quarterback remains. Sanders showed enough as a rookie to merit extended evaluation, and the Browns could still be weighing their longer-term options.
While a trade remains a possibility if a team comes forward with an appealing offer, moving Sanders before training camp would risk cutting short the chance to fully assess his development and potential in Cleveland.
For fans and analysts, the situation remains fluid, with ongoing discussions around Sanders’ role and the best path forward for the Browns’ quarterback room.
