Kevin Stefanski‘s quarterback room is filled with veterans, giants, and rookies (like Shedeur Sanders, who is becoming a favorite from the beginning), offering a wide range of experience and talent. However, despite depth at quarterback and other safe positions, the Browns are desperately searching for reliable wide receivers. They currently have five QBs on the roster, but continue to struggle with identifying star-caliber wideouts. Amidst this ongoing search, a new and intriguing candidate has emerged as a potential WR1 for the Browns, giving fans renewed hope for the offense.

Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported the possible trade between the Browns and the Saints for this $19M wide receiver. However, he also found a catch here. We are talking about former Ohio State Buckeyes’ star and the Saints‘ WR1, Chris Olave. The 2022 NFL draft’s 11th overall pick is currently struggling with a contract extension. And that’s why the Browns, along with the Steelers, also asked the Saints for a trade. 

Albert Breer, while reporting the same, said, “The Saints got inquiries from the Browns and Steelers early in the offseason, and rebuffed them, and Olave’s had a really nice offseason since.” He also added, “Maybe someone blows New Orleans away with an offer. But he’s not on the block, and I have a hard time thinking he’s going to be traded.” The Saints rejected the offer as they might be thinking about his contract extension. 

Chris Olave’s rookie contract is set to expire in 2026. The 24-year-old wide receiver signed a four-year, $19,271,874 deal with the Saints in 2022, and now he’s eyeing an extension—which is fair, given his talent. But before any new deal could materialize, trade rumors began to swirl. These stemmed largely from his challenging 2024 season.

Olave appeared in only eight games that year. In those, he recorded 32 receptions on 44 targets for 400 yards, averaging 12.5 yards per catch. Despite his efforts, he managed just one touchdown. However, according to a national reporter, the Saints are not looking to trade the young receiver.

That could be disappointing news for Kevin Stefanski and the Cleveland Browns, who were reportedly interested. Still, their search continues. The Browns currently feature Jerry Jeudy, David Bell, DeAndre Carter, and four more wideouts on their depth chart. But Stefanski appears to be crafting something unique for his two rookie quarterbacks: Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. According to Sporting News, the franchise is actively looking to add another wide receiver.

Meanwhile, Shedeur Sanders—the Browns’ 144th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft—is turning heads. He’s silencing critics and proving doubters wrong with every opportunity. Let’s take a closer look at how Sanders is making his mark—and which former NFL players have praised his game.

Shedeur Sanders is shining in the crowded QB room

The Browns ended their rookie mini-camp, and Shedeur Sanders impressed everyone. In a recently shared video from training camp, Shedeur Sanders dropped a perfect bomb into the end zone—a throw that quickly caught fans’ and analysts’ attention. The son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders isn’t catching a break; he’s creating his own spotlight. Though his role depends on the availability of Deshaun Watson and other variables, Shedeur is already being considered a potential future QB1.

Despite the competition in a crowded quarterback room, Shedeur is making his presence felt. He’s carving out a space for himself through sharp throws and confident play. His recent performance hasn’t just impressed fans—it’s earned praise from former NFL players and analysts. Among them is former NFL linebacker and FOX Sports analyst Emmanuel Acho, who recently applauded the former Colorado Buffaloes star for his poise and talent.

On May 22, 2025, Emmanuel Acho said, “I don’t think I’ve been more fond of Shedeur than I am right now. And not just what he said post-presser, but even on social media.” He also added, “If we’re being honest, Shedeur doesn’t talk that much. It’s the people around Shedeur that do all the talking. It was a picture of the whole rookie squad. I think the team is gathering around and galvanized by Shedeur, especially the rookies.” It looks like Shedeur’s time has come, right?

After the humiliation of the first two days of the draft, the star prospect has begun making a name for himself before even stepping onto an NFL gridiron. Something legendary could be in the making.

In April 2025, Albert Breer also commented that the two newly added quarterbacks in the Browns’ locker room could see their first snaps as early as November. The entire scenario hinges on several factors. Deshaun Watson’s availability, Joe Flacco’s veteran presence, and the competition for the QB2 spot. For Shedeur, the path to the top means navigating through all of these hurdles. Let’s see how Shedeur Sanders is gonna make a way through it.