With the start of the NFL season just around the corner, the Cleveland Browns find themselves in an intriguing situation regarding their quarterback roster. As they prepare for Week 1, the team has four quarterbacks associated with the organization, leading to questions about whether other teams have expressed interest in any of these players.
During a recent media session, Browns assistant general manager Catherine Hickman was asked if the team had received any trade inquiries concerning their quarterbacks. Her response sparked curiosity and speculation. According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, Hickman replied, "Not that I will comment on," which left many wondering about the implications of her statement.
Hickman’s remark could be interpreted in various ways. While it is speculative to assume that her comment indicates the Browns have received trade calls for one or more quarterbacks, it raises the possibility that there may be ongoing discussions. Following her initial response, Hickman suggested that inquiries about trade offers should be directed to general manager Andrew Berry, which some interpreted as a potential slip of the tongue.
As the Browns gear up for the season, Deshaun Watson has been confirmed as the starting quarterback. However, Dillon Gabriel, who was expected to compete for a backup role, will begin the season on injured reserve due to a back injury that will keep him sidelined for at least four games. This situation complicates the Browns' quarterback depth chart and may influence their decisions regarding trades.
The performance of Deshaun Watson in the early weeks of the season will likely play a significant role in determining the Browns' approach to trade discussions. Given Watson's substantial contract, it would be a challenging decision for any team to trade for him, even if he performs well. Meanwhile, Taylen Green, a rookie quarterback, is expected to be the fourth on the depth chart once Gabriel returns to health, but he is not likely to be traded this season due to his developmental potential.
Looking at the current roster, Dillon Gabriel and backup quarterback Shedeur Sanders emerge as the most logical candidates for potential trades. If Watson struggles in the early games, head coach Todd Monken could opt to bench him and promote Sanders to the starting position. In such a scenario, Gabriel might be viewed as a valuable backup, making him a candidate for trade discussions as the November 10 trade deadline approaches.
Conversely, if Watson performs well and secures his position, Sanders would likely remain the second-string quarterback, and Gabriel could become a trade asset after showcasing his skills in the preseason. The Browns may also consider trading Sanders, but his popularity among fans and limited starting experience could make such a move risky for the team's public relations, especially after Monken's decision to name Watson the starter for Week 1.
As the Browns navigate these quarterback dynamics, the outcome of the early games will be crucial in shaping their strategy moving forward. The decisions made in the coming weeks could have lasting implications for the team's future as they strive for success in the 2026 NFL season.
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