Colorado Buffaloes football legend Shedeur Sanders, fellow Browns QB Dillon Gabriel said to be safe from trade

Colorado Buffaloes football legend Shedeur Sanders and ex-Oregon Ducks Heisman candidate Dillon Gabriel were deemed unlikely to be traded ahead of the 2025 season. Both were drafted by the Cleveland Browns this past April.

SI’s Chris Wilson claimed both were likely safe from being dealt this offseason. Kenny Pickett was touted as the likeliest tradeable quarterback to return a notable haul on the Browns’ depth chart.

“Flacco, who re-signed with the Browns for the 2025 season, was the AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2023. His trade market will likely differ from Pickett's, as teams will view him as a shorter-term option. Berry faces a decision between retaining Flacco or trading Pickett for a potentially greater return,” Wilson wrote.

“Newly drafted quarterbacks Gabriel and Sanders are unlikely trade candidates.”

Sanders being traded before the season is an idea some have latched onto. Cleveland can take the chance on seeing his value build during training camp while cashing out on it if things go well.

If Deion Sanders’ shadow turns out to be overwhelming, Shedeur can be cut after many No. 12 jerseys are sold after minimal investment.

It’s a win-win for the Browns, who were unlikely to be a functional team in 2025 anyway.

From the sounds of it, there may be legitimate investment into Gabriel and Sanders as the team figures out which veterans – Pickett is somewhere in between, entering year four with minimal experience – are worth moving and how quickly.

If neither works out or the team relies on Joe Flacco’s veteran savy, the Browns can try again in 2026 after waiting until the third round to address the QB position this go-round.