Shedeur Sanders Shuts Out Deion, Sparks Browns Trade Buzz — Is This the End of Team Sanders?

Shedeur Sanders has reportedly asked his father, NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, to stay away from Cleveland Browns training camp, fuelling speculation of a growing rift within the Sanders family. The decision, which comes amid intensifying trade rumours and quarterback competition, unfolded during the Browns' ongoing preseason training in August 2025.

Shedeur's Standing in the Browns' Quarterback Depth Chart

Sanders, drafted by the Cleveland Browns as the 144th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, entered training camp facing significant competition. The former Colorado quarterback began the preseason listed as the fourth-string quarterback behind Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel.

Despite being sidelined briefly with shoulder soreness, Sanders returned to full team drills on Day 10 of training camp. A report from Sports Illustrated indicates that Sanders has shown flashes of potential, leading the group in completion percentage with a 70% rate, six touchdowns and no interceptions in scrimmage scenarios.

However, his limited reps and position on the depth chart continue to cast uncertainty over his role.

Deion Sanders Asked to Stay Away

Multiple outlets have reported that Sanders specifically asked his father, Deion Sanders, not to attend Browns training camp. The reported reason was to avoid unwanted attention and distractions that typically accompany the elder Sanders, who currently serves as head coach for the University of Colorado.

'It's kind of like I just want everything that I'm doing is just focus on this time, and I don't want no distractions because we know how the media, we know how everybody would take it and take away from the team, just from him being my own dad showing up', Sanders said, as reported by ESPN.

Deion Sanders has been an ever-present influence throughout Sanders football journey, from high school to Jackson State and later to Colorado. His absence marks a clear change in their public dynamic, particularly as the younger Sanders transitions into the professional ranks.

Cleveland Browns Trade Speculation Grows

The decision to separate from his father has coincided with growing speculation around a possible trade. Analysts suggest the crowded Browns quarterback room and Sanders' lower placement on the depth chart may place him on the trading block before the regular season begins.

Cleveland's recent signing of quarterback Tyler 'Snoop' Huntley further intensifies the competition. With four quarterbacks already on the depth chart, the front office may face pressure to make cuts or explore trade options. A separate Sports Illustrated report notes that such a move would not be unusual for late-round rookies, particularly those recovering from injury or with limited preseason exposure.

The situation has led many to question whether Sanders trade value is increasing or declining in the current climate, especially as he fights to establish himself independent of his father's legacy.

A Shift in the Sanders Brand?

While the Sanders family has long been viewed as a united front in American football, recent developments suggest a shift. Deion Sanders has remained mostly silent on the issue, adding to public speculation. In a separate revelation, the father disclosed that he had kept a recent cancer diagnosis hidden from his sons, including Sanders, to prevent affecting their performance during the college season.

The combination of this personal disclosure and Sanders recent camp stance has triggered questions about whether the public image of 'Team Sanders' is evolving as the son forges his own path in the NFL.