It seems like we have our winner between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders, who were competing for the QB1 job in the camp for the Cleveland Browns, as the speculation of a possible trade for Sanders with the Detroit Lions intensifies. 

According to ESPN Cleveland's Tom Rizzo, the Browns are receiving potential trade calls for the blockbuster trade of Shedeur Sanders out of the Browns. 

"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."

The Colorado product has shown promising production during his rookie season. Per Pro Football Focus, he appeared in eight games, where he threw for 1,400 yards and scored seven touchdowns.

Not only this, but he also performed well in the 2026 camps organized to give him and Watson extra snaps.  

"Nothing is imminent, but the calls are being made," Rizzo added.

Rizzo clarified that, since nothing is made public by the Browns front office, but based on the chatter floating within the community, the Lions could be interested in the deal to improve their QB depth chart. 

Many NFL pundits believe that the “production machine” Jared Goff does not have injury insurance. QB2 Teddy Bridgewater and QB3 Luke Altmyer are decent options, but they don’t have the required experience to fill in Goff’s shoes. 

Sanders addition will increase the competition on the Lions' QB depth chart as the 24-year-old QB has a year of experience who can be developed under Goff and Dan Campbell. 

Amid the potential backup options for Jared Goff, Shedeur Sanders is not the only option that GM Brad Holmes could pursue.

Shedeur Sanders Isn’t Detroit’s Only QB Option

The other option to increase competition on the quarterback depth chart is the former Red Raiders QB Brendan Sorsby, per Josh Edwards of CBS Sports. 

Amid the gambling controversy, Sorsby quit collegiate football and headed for the 2026 NFL supplemental draft. And the Motor City team is one of the potential landing spots. 

Per Sports Reference, Sorsby has spent four seasons in the NCAA, where he played two seasons for the Indiana Hoosiers and the other two for the Cincinnati Bearcats before transferring to Texas Tech. 

During his collegiate career, he appeared in 35 games where he threw for 7,208 yards and scored 60 TDs. He might not have the NFL-level football experience, but he remained the starter for the teams he played in.

Many NFL analysts believe that he could be a developmental QB who could resolve the Lions' QB2 problem. 

As the 2026 NFL season approaches, the Lions are sweating hard in the field under Jared Goff and Dan Campbell.

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Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker