Introduction

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders shared his thoughts on the team's recent decision to trade veteran passer Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals. In an interview with John Sabol of Fox 8 Cleveland, Sanders expressed gratitude for the mentorship he received from Flacco during their time together in Cleveland.

Flacco's Impact and Trade Details

"He was definitely somebody I leaned on for wisdom, and I feel he helped me a lot," Sanders said. The trade, executed on Tuesday, involved sending Flacco and a 2026 sixth-round draft pick to the Bengals in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round selection. Flacco, who started the Browns' first four games, completed 58.1 percent of his passes for 815 yards, two touchdowns, and six interceptions, contributing to a 1-3 record for Cleveland during that stretch.

The 40-year-old quarterback had signed a one-year deal worth $4 million with the Browns during the offseason. Flacco's mentorship was instrumental for Sanders, who sat at No. 3 on the depth chart before the trade. Flacco noted Sanders' solid approach to training and believed he had a good foundation for success.

Changing Roles for the Browns

As a result of the trade, Sanders has now moved up to become the team's second-string quarterback, behind fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, who is currently the starter. Gabriel's debut as a starter came in a closely contested 21-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, where he completed 19 of 33 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns without any interceptions.

Looking ahead, if Flacco becomes Cincinnati's starter for the remainder of the regular season, he will face off against the Browns in a highly anticipated matchup in Week 18.