After a disappointing Week 1 performance, the Miami Dolphins might have no other choice soon and trade for quarterback Shedeur Sanders. There was speculation earlier this past offseason that the Dolphins would draft Sanders, but they passed up on the opportunity, and it looks like they’re paying for it. Tua Tagovailoa probably had his worst game in his career after being shut out for three quarters of the matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. His star wide receiver, Tyreek Hill, was shown frustrated, and that is never a good thing coming from your top pass-catching option.
It might be too early to depict what might happen here, but the Dolphins will likely need a new quarterback if Tagovailoa doesn’t step up. It was reported this past weekend that Sanders is unlikely to play at all during the 2025 campaign, which isn’t a huge surprise, but a big blow for the signal-caller who had faith he would earn the starting job. This doesn’t mean he won’t receive the golden opportunity elsewhere, so it will be interesting to see how the season plays out for the Browns, and despite them losing to the Bengals in a close bout, there’s no guarantee they will bench veteran Joe Flacco anytime soon. The Dolphins won’t be the only team that may keep tabs on Sanders, as these three other suitors could roll the dice on him.
Aug 23, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) and quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) talk on the sidelines during the first half against the Los Angeles Rams at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Potential Destinations
Carolina Panthers
Things didn’t pan out how head coach Dave Canales was expecting out of quarterback Bryce Young. The Carolina Panthers have the offensive playmakers to make things happen, but will Young be able to utilize his talent correctly? It’s still Week 1, but after losing 10-26, it doesn’t look the prettiest, so this is something to keep an eye on. Veteran Andy Dalton is only a bridge quarterback, so there would be only so much he could do if Canales turns to him to start for this offense.
Sanders is still a developing signal-caller in this league. However, Canales could get motivated at some point during the 2025 regular season and trade for Sanders to fill in as the primary starting quarterback.
New Orleans Saints
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints lost their first week as well, but quarterback Spencer Rattler’s performance isn’t as bad as Young’s. He’s shown that he could get the ball out and get his receivers in the best spots possible, but it’s going to take time as head coach Kellen Moore continues to stabilize this offense. The Saints almost lost Chris Olave (again) due to an injury, but as long as he stays healthy and along with the other playmakers on the offense, they should help Rattler turn into a reliable quarterback for a long time.
Despite that, the team could still keep an eye on Sanders if things turn out for the worst and Tyler Shough doesn’t provide relief. Sanders is learning as well, but it gives the team another potential adequate signal-caller.
Dallas Cowboys
This trade might be a long shot, but it wouldn’t be too surprising, as many were hoping the Cowboys would draft Sanders to at least be a backup for Dak Prescott. This was before they traded for Joe Milton. Depending on what happens there and the future with Prescott, they should roll the dice on Sanders either way, so he could prove with a star on his helmet.