Just weeks ago, there were a lot of concerns and questions about Deshaun Watson and whether he still has what it takes to be the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback. Fast forward to now, and Watson looks to be in good shape, especially after last week’s win.
That means now the questions have all shifted to the team’s other quarterbacks: Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. A lot of people view Sanders as a win-now player who is ready to take to the field right away.
They assume that he’d take over the QB1 duties if Watson has to sit on the sidelines. However, while speaking on ESPN Cleveland, Aaron Goldhammer stated that Gabriel might be a more promising trade asset than Sanders.
That shows that Gabriel might be more valuable than Sanders, something few people envisioned months ago.
“I think Gabriel could get you more in a trade than Sanders could,” Goldhammer said.
"I think Gabriel could get you more in a trade than Sanders could," – @HammerNation19 on the Browns backup QBs 😯
Do you agree? pic.twitter.com/piRJVbSLPd
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) September 24, 2026
Speaking about which of these two could and should be traded might be premature. Neither have taken to the field yet, and Watson has only played well for one game.
Before people seriously discuss trading Gabriel or Sanders, these young players should be given the opportunity to play, even briefly. And Watson has to show that his Week 2 performance was not just a flash in the pan.
As good as he did, it won’t mean much if he falls back into bad habits in Week 3 and beyond. Chances are that one of these young QBs will probably leave Cleveland by the end of the season.
Many people were shocked when the team had so many quarterbacks at the start of the year, but things are coming into focus in Cleveland, and the front office will probably make some tough decisions at some point. It’s not clear who is more valuable on the trade market, and any decision by the Browns is sure to receive pushback from fans.
However, the front office will surely make a choice that brings the most to the team.
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