In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, speculation around trades and succession plans for veteran quarterbacks never ends. One of the most intriguing rumors making the rounds recently is the potential trade of Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders to the Los Angeles Rams—a move that could set the stage for the next era in Los Angeles football.
The buzz was ignited by Hunter Cookston of Sporting News, who reported on July 16, 2025, that Shedeur Sanders might be traded to the Rams. However, Cookston added a key caveat: the move would likely only happen if Sanders is perceived as expendable by the Browns. NFL analyst Emmanuel Acho added weight to this viewpoint by calling Sanders a “camp body.” In Acho’s words, “The reality for Shedeur Sanders is that, as a fifth-round pick, it rarely matters how talented you are. You may never even get the opportunity to win the starting job. Sometimes, as a fifth, sixth, or seventh-round pick, they are already cutting you. You are a camp body. You are there for training camp.”
Acho’s remarks reflect the harsh truth many late-round picks face in the NFL. But in Sanders’ case, this apparent setback could become an opportunity—especially if the Rams are serious about preparing for a future beyond Matthew Stafford.
Stafford, now in the twilight of his career, remains the face of the franchise and is still fully capable of leading Sean McVay’s offense. But as noted by Mark Sipos of Dawg Pound Daily, the Rams have yet to identify a clear heir to Stafford. That’s where Shedeur Sanders comes in. While the Browns may be hesitant to commit to him long-term, the Rams could view him as a developmental quarterback with tremendous upside.
Sanders’ playing style aligns well with McVay’s offensive system. His quick release and timing-based decision-making are reminiscent of what Stafford himself excels at. McVay’s scheme relies on fast reads, play-action execution, and precise timing—all of which match Sanders’ strengths coming out of college. Being able to sit behind Stafford, absorb the intricacies of McVay’s playbook, and watch one of the league’s most experienced quarterbacks up close could be invaluable for Sanders’ growth.
Unlike in Cleveland, where competition might bury him on the depth chart, Los Angeles offers a low-pressure environment to learn and develop. With Stafford still in control of the offense, Sanders wouldn’t be expected to start right away. This timeline could give him the space to develop his skills without the pressure of immediate performance. In essence, he could evolve into a long-term starter under the mentorship of Stafford and guidance of McVay.
Ultimately, while nothing is confirmed, the potential trade of Shedeur Sanders to the Rams is far more than a simple roster shift. It could be a calculated investment in the future of the franchise. If Sanders ends up in Los Angeles, he’ll have a rare opportunity: to learn from a Super Bowl-winning quarterback, master one of the NFL’s most creative offensive schemes, and potentially lead the Rams into a new era.
For now, all eyes will be on how the Browns evaluate Sanders during training camp. But if the Rams make a move, this could be the start of a very promising chapter in Sanders’ career—and perhaps the answer to L.A.’s looming quarterback question.