It’s January 2026 and the Cleveland Browns find themselves in a familiar, albeit frustrating, spot. They took a flyer on Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, a move that sent shockwaves through the league mostly because of the name on the back of the jersey. Now, after a rookie season that saw him start seven games and flash both brilliance and total chaos, the conversation has shifted. Everyone is talking about Shedeur Sanders trade value like it’s a blue-chip stock, but the reality is way more complicated than a simple Madden rating.
Some fans see a kid who completed nearly 75% of his passes at Colorado. Others see a guy who took 23 sacks in half a season of pro ball. If you're a GM, you're looking at a 24-year-old with a $1.1 million cap hit and wondering if he’s a franchise savior or just a really expensive backup with a high-profile entourage.
What is Shedeur Sanders Trade Value Right Now?
To understand where his value sits today, you have to look at the numbers. They aren't pretty, but they aren't a death sentence either. In his 2025 rookie campaign, Sanders put up 1,400 yards and 7 touchdowns. But the 10 interceptions and a 56.6% completion rate? That’s where the "project" label starts to stick.
Honestly, the trade market for a former fifth-rounder who struggled as a starter is usually a late-round pick swap. But Shedeur isn't "usually." He brings a brand. He brings eyes. He also brings a level of pocket poise that scouts still drool over, even if his offensive line in Cleveland was a sieve.
Right now, most league insiders suggest his trade value sits around a 2026 third-round pick. That might sound low to the Colorado faithful, but in NFL terms, turning a 5th into a 3rd after a rocky rookie year is actually a win for Cleveland's front office.
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The Factors Driving the Price Tag
- The Rookie Contract: He’s cheap. Basically, he's a bargain-bin option for a team like the Steelers or Raiders who are desperate for QB competition.
- Scouting Pedigree: Despite the 2025 struggles, the arm talent is there. His accuracy in the short-to-intermediate game was elite in college.
- The "Deion" Factor: Whether teams like it or not, the Prime Effect influences value. It creates a circus, sure, but it also sells tickets and jerseys.
- Health: He finished his college career with a back fracture and took a beating in 2025. His durability is a massive question mark.
Why the 2026 QB Draft Class Changes Everything
The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a monster for quarterbacks. You've got Fernando Mendoza from Indiana, who just led the Hoosiers to a National Championship appearance, sitting at the top of every board. Then there’s Ty Simpson at Alabama and the boom-or-bust enigma that is Carson Beck.
Because the 2026 class is so deep, Shedeur Sanders trade value is actually suppressed. Why would a team like the Jets—who desperately need a post-Rodgers plan—trade a high pick for Shedeur when they could potentially land a guy like Mendoza or Arvell Reese?
It’s a buyer’s market. Teams are looking at the 2026 rookies and seeing "cleaner" prospects. Shedeur has a year of NFL tape now, and while it shows he can play, it also highlights his tendency to hold the ball for an eternity. He averaged 3.3 seconds to throw in 2025. In the NFL, that’s an eternity. You get hit. You fumble. You lose games.
Real-World Trade Scenarios
If the Browns decide to move on, who is actually calling?
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The Pittsburgh Steelers
They’re in "the bad place" under center. Mike Tomlin is gone, Aaron Rodgers is 42 and looking at the exit door, and the roster is too good to tank for a top-3 pick. A 2026 third-rounder for Shedeur? It’s the kind of low-risk, high-reward move the new Pittsburgh regime might actually pull the trigger on.
The Las Vegas Raiders
They missed out on the top QBs in '25. If they can’t land Mendoza at No. 1, they need a bridge. Shedeur fits the "Raider Way" perfectly—lots of swagger, plenty of talent, and a bit of a chip on his shoulder.
The Financials: A Quick Look
| Year | Base Salary | Cap Hit | Dead Cap (if traded) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $1,005,000 | $1,116,845 | $335,535 |
| 2027 | $1,120,000 | $1,231,845 | $223,690 |
Because he represents himself (self-repped), the negotiations are always a bit... unique. But for a team acquiring him, that contract is a dream. You're getting a starting-caliber talent for less than most punters make.
The Misconception About "Prime Time"
There’s this idea that Shedeur is a "package deal" with his dad. It’s kinda nonsense. In the NFL, coaches don't have time for the sideline drama. If Shedeur gets traded, he’s going into a locker room where he’s just another guy trying to keep his job.
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His value isn't tied to Deion anymore; it's tied to his 17.6% pressure-to-sack rate. It’s tied to the 15 turnover-worthy plays he had in limited action. Those are the things GMs talk about in the dark rooms at the Combine.
Final Verdict on the Market
Ultimately, Shedeur Sanders trade value is a Rorschach test. If you're a team that believes his 2025 struggles were a byproduct of a bad Cleveland situation, he's worth a Day 2 pick. If you think he’s a product of a college system that didn’t translate, he’s a backup you wouldn’t give up more than a 6th for.
The most likely outcome? Cleveland keeps him as a high-end insurance policy unless someone gets desperate during the preseason. QB injuries happen every August. When a starter goes down, that 3rd round pick suddenly becomes a 2nd, and that’s when the Browns will move.
Actionable Next Steps for Following the Market
- Monitor the 2026 Draft Order: If QB-needy teams like the Jets or Cardinals fall out of the top 5, their interest in Shedeur will spike.
- Watch the "Post-6/1" Window: If the Browns trade him after June 1, they save over $1 million in cap space, making a deal much more likely in the summer.
- Track Malik Willis and Daniel Jones: Both are free agents in 2026. Where they sign will dictate which seats are left in the NFL's game of quarterback musical chairs.