How Browns' trade of Myles Garrett is bad news for Shedeur Sanders

The Cleveland Browns are pulling off a massive blockbuster trade with the Los Angeles Rams, sending Myles Garrett to the NFC West.

While the return isn't officially known just yet, ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that it's a deal including Jared Verse and a 2027 first-round pick with additional compensation expected.

It's a huge deal for the Browns as a franchise. But, for second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders, this is some troubling news as well, thanks mainly to the draft pick compensation acquired by the Browns.

How the Myles Garrett trade is bad news for Shedeur Sanders

The Browns trading Garrett to the Rams, it's more clear than ever that the 2026 Browns are not going to be a serious playoff contender. That was obvious from the outside looking in, but this trade does more than just confirm that suspicion.

Trading Garrett means the Browns are far away from being contenders. And if that's the case, that means they're acutely aware that their current quarterback room, the most important position on the team, is not good enough.

Deshaun Watson is a free agent after 2026, while Dillon Gabriel didn't show much upside as a starter last year.

Sanders might've been the highest upside option, but this decision from the Browns makes it clear they're not planning to be a top contender in 2026, and instead are planning for the future.

MORE: Taylen Green has a much higher ceiling for Browns than Shedeur Sanders

With the extra 2027 first-round pick, the Browns now have two first-rounders in the 2027 NFL Draft, which is the extra ammo they'll need to make a push for a top-tier quarterback in the draft.

Even if they fall out of the top few selections, this extra first-rounder will be enough ammo to move up the board to acquire the quarterback they want.

Cleveland's most likely going to take a quarterback in the 2027 NFL Draft, as this Garrett trade wouldn't have been made if they weren't willing to truly rebuild the team.

So, while it might not seem like it on the surface, this trade of Garrett to the Rams for Verse, a 2027 first-rounder, and more is bad news for Sanders.

The Browns are now more situated to get aggressive for their quarterback of the future in the 2027 NFL Draft thanks to having the extra 2027 first-rounder.

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