Wait, did anyone actually see this coming? A year ago, the idea of Shedeur Sanders wearing anything other than a Colorado jersey felt like a lifetime away. Now, as we hit the middle of January 2026, the NFL rumor mill is spinning so fast it’s basically a centrifuge. The Cleveland Browns took a flyer on Shedeur in the fifth round of the 2025 draft, and honestly, it’s been a rollercoaster ever since.
He had that monster 364-yard game against the Bengals. He broke records. Then, he threw ten interceptions in seven games. It was the best of times; it was the "how is he still the starter?" of times.
Now, the Browns are sitting at the No. 6 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. They’ve got Deshaun Watson’s massive contract still looming like a dark cloud, and the front office is reportedly "exploring every option." That’s GM-speak for "we might be moving on." This is where the Shedeur Sanders NFC trade rumors start to get really interesting. If Cleveland decides to snag a guy like Fernando Mendoza or Dante Moore at the top of the draft, Shedeur becomes the most high-profile trade bait in the league.
The NFC South Connection: New Orleans and Tampa Bay
If you’ve been following "Coach Prime" Deion Sanders, you know he hasn’t been shy about where he wants his son to land. He’s mentioned the "NFC" plenty of times. Specifically, the Saints have been a name that keeps bubbling up. New Orleans is in that weird quarterback purgatory where they have talent on the roster but no long-term answer under center.
The buzz around the Superdome is that Mickey Loomis might be looking for a "spark." Shedeur is definitely a spark. He’s got that "it" factor, even if his rookie completion percentage (56.6%) makes scouts wince a little. But look at the context. Cleveland was a mess last year. Their offensive line was a sieve.
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"I know where his heart is, I know where he wants to go," Deion Sanders said during an interview last year. "If it’s New Orleans, if it’s any of those teams seeking a quarterback, I’m happy."
Then you have the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They’re always a wild card. With the NFC South being wide open every single year, bringing in a young, cheap (relatively speaking) quarterback with Shedeur’s upside is the kind of move that keeps a GM employed. Or gets them fired. There’s no middle ground with a Sanders.
The Cowboys Elephant in the Room
We have to talk about Dallas. We just have to. Jerry Jones and Deion Sanders are basically family. The Cowboys finished the 2025 season with a 7-9-1 record and a defense that couldn't stop a nosebleed. While Dak Prescott is the man for now, the "Shedeur to Dallas" narrative is the zombie rumor that refuses to die.
It’s not just about football; it’s about the brand. The Sanders brand in "America’s Team" colors? That’s a billion-dollar marketing dream. Rumors suggest the Cowboys might be looking to bolster their secondary with their two first-round picks, but if Shedeur is available for a mid-round trade? Jerry might not be able to help himself.
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Why a Trade Actually Makes Sense for Cleveland
The Browns are in a tight spot. They won two games to close out the 2025 season, which actually hurt them. It pushed them down to the sixth pick. If they had stayed at number two, they’d have their pick of the litter. Now, they might have to trade up to get a "franchise" guy.
If they do trade up, Shedeur is gone.
Basically, the Browns have a choice:
- Build around Shedeur and use the 6th pick on a tackle like Francis Mauigoa.
- Draft a new QB and trade Shedeur to an NFC team for a collection of Day 2 picks.
- Keep him as a backup to a veteran bridge like Mac Jones (though that's looking unlikely).
Shedeur’s trade value is a total enigma. On one hand, he showed he can play. That game against Cincinnati where he threw for three scores and ran for another? That was elite. On the other hand, the 10 interceptions in limited action suggest he still plays "hero ball" way too much.
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What the Experts are Saying
The scouts are split. Some see a guy who was sacked way too often and survived. Others see a kid who holds onto the ball for a decade. PFF noted that both Shedeur and Dillon Gabriel ranked near the bottom of the league in EPA per dropback. That’s not a stat you want on your resume.
However, NFL insiders like Zac Jackson have hinted that the Browns might just "gear up for a full-throttle chase in early 2027" and let Shedeur ride it out one more year. But that's boring. And the NFL is rarely boring when a Sanders is involved.
The most likely scenario for a trade involves a team that missed out on the top three QBs in the 2026 draft. If Arizona decides Kyler Murray isn't the guy anymore, do they look at Shedeur? They’re picking 3rd. They could take a defender and then trade back into the late first or early second for Shedeur.
Actionable Insights for the 2026 Offseason
If you’re a fan tracking these Shedeur Sanders NFC trade rumors, keep your eyes on the Senior Bowl and the Combine. That’s when these deals usually get cooked.
- Watch the Browns’ Coaching Hire: If they land a big fish like John Harbaugh, expect a total house cleaning. Harbaugh will want "his guy," and that usually means a high-drafted rookie or a proven vet.
- Monitor the NFC South Cap Space: The Saints are always in cap hell, but they always find a way. If they start clearing room in March, Shedeur could be the target.
- Don’t Ignore the "Prime" Factor: Deion’s influence shouldn't be underestimated. If he starts wearing a specific team's colors on Saturday mornings, take it as a hint.
The reality is that Shedeur Sanders is a polarizing talent. He’s got the arm, the swagger, and the pedigree. Whether he stays in the AFC North or moves to the NFC, the 2026 offseason is going to be his biggest test yet. Stay tuned to the draft order—it's going to tell the whole story.
Check the latest mock drafts every Tuesday. The movement in the top 10 picks will tell you exactly how desperate teams are for a quarterback, and consequently, how high Shedeur's trade value actually is.