The Cleveland Browns have been connected to a monumental trade with the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Cleveland Browns have a bevy of needs heading into the NFL offseason, but the most glaring of all is at quarterback.
Shedeur Sanders figures to be the guy heading into 2026, but after throwing seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions while posting a 68.1 passer rating in eight games and seven starts this past season, the Browns should keep their options open.
It appears that Cleveland is doing just that, too, as new head coach Todd Monken has declined to commit to Sanders as the starter next year.
Could the Browns potentially land their franchise quarterback in the NFL Draft?
Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski explores the possibility, pitching the idea of a blockbuster trade with the Las Vegas Raiders.
"Since this year's QB class is viewed as a one-horse race, potential suitors for [Fernando] Mendoza's services should still be plentiful, with the Raiders gaining leverage to recoup a windfall of assets in return," Sobleski wrote. "The New York Jets, Cleveland Browns and possibly even the Los Angeles Rams should jump at the chance to gain possession of the No. 1 overall pick and finally land their franchise quarterback."
Fernando Mendoza. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.The Browns certainly have the assets to make such a deal happen, as they own a pair of first-round picks (Nos. 6 and 24) this year. They also possess all of their own picks plus an extra fifth-rounder.
Mendoza is far and away the top quarterback prospect in this upcoming class, and if Cleveland had the chance to land him, it would certainly pull the trigger.
The question is whether or not the Raiders would actually want to move out of the No. 1 spot considering their own dire need for a signal-caller?
The Geno Smith experiment failed miserably in Las Vegas this past season, and Aidan O'Connell is certainly not the solution. Yes, the Raiders could reap a king's ransom for the top pick, but would they really do so at the expense of potentially finally solving their problems under center?
Not only that, but it's important to remember that the Jets own the No. 2 and 16 picks this April, plus two second-rounders. They also lay claim to three first-rounders in 2027. So if New York really wanted to, it could blow the Browns out of the water with an offer.
Nevertheless, if the opportunity presents itself, Cleveland may look to snatch the No. 1 overall pick from Las Vegas.
Browns Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Browns. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.