Shedeur Sanders isn’t getting the starting job yet, and that’s creating a buzz on what should be his next move. Game after game, Shedeur Sanders watches from the sideline while frustration grows among fans who believe his talent is being wasted.
Many now think the smartest move is a trade, one that puts Shedeur in a system built for his development and play style. And across the league, there are teams where he could finally grow into the QB1 everyone knows he can be.
New Orleans Saints: A Clear Starting Opportunity
The New Orleans Saints are entering the season without a true veteran leader under center after Derek Carr’s retirement, leaving the quarterback spot wide open.
Their current plan relies on rookie Spencer Rattler, backed by Tyler Shough, neither of whom has proven they can carry an NFL offense.
The team’s passing game has struggled, hurt by receiver injuries and an offensive line that hasn’t been stable enough to protect a young quarterback. This creates the perfect opening for Shedeur Sanders.
With his accuracy, calm pocket presence, and proven ability to elevate an offense, Shedeur would walk into New Orleans as the instant QB1, giving the Saints a real chance to rebuild their identity around a talented young franchise quarterback.
Miami Dolphins: A Needed Spark Behind Tua
The Miami Dolphins are facing a major quarterback concern, and it starts with Tua Tagovailoa’s inconsistency. While he’s praised for his quick release and accuracy, he struggles with reading defenses, leading to costly mistakes.
Just last week, the Dolphins benched him after a rough performance: three interceptions, only 100 passing yards, and a career-worst 24.1 passer rating in a 31–6 loss. It was his second straight game with three picks. As Miami falls deeper into a losing stretch, their offense looks directionless.
That’s where Shedeur Sanders fits perfectly. He could immediately push Zach Wilson for the backup role, and with Tua’s durability issues and turnover struggles, it likely wouldn’t take long before Shedeur becomes QB1, bringing stability, strong decision-making, and fresh leadership to Miami.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Ideal Mentorship Opportunity
The Pittsburgh Steelers could offer Shedeur Sanders the perfect development setup under Aaron Rodgers, who’s nearing retirement.
Just as Jordan Love learned behind Rodgers in Green Bay, Shedeur could refine his mechanics, leadership, and pro-level reads with one of the smartest quarterbacks ever, eventually becoming the Steelers’ long-term franchise QB.
Los Angeles Rams: Future Franchise Quarterback Path
The Los Angeles Rams present another strong landing spot for Shedeur Sanders, offering the rare chance to grow under a Super Bowl-winning veteran like Matthew Stafford.
Similar to the mentorship Shedeur could receive under Rodgers, Stafford’s experience, calm presence, and elite arm talent make him an ideal teacher while Shedeur adjusts to the NFL stage. The only catch? Patience.
Stafford is still the Rams’ confirmed QB1, but retirement rumors are gaining traction. With wear-and-tear from 16 NFL seasons and multiple injury concerns, many analysts believe his final chapter is approaching. That timetable may actually work perfectly for Shedeur, learning behind Stafford for a short period before stepping into the spotlight as the Rams’ next franchise leader.
And if Rodgers’ recent comments are any indicator of the changing quarterback era: “Yeah, I’m pretty sure this is it… That’s why we just did a one-year deal,” he admitted on The Pat McAfee Show, the NFL is preparing for major quarterback transitions league-wide.
For Shedeur Sanders, the Rams offer stability now and opportunity soon. When Stafford eventually steps away, Shedeur would be positioned with mentorship, system familiarity, and a championship-minded roster to take control of his own NFL legacy.
Whether it’s the Saints, Dolphins, Steelers, or Rams, each presents a path where Shedeur Sanders could grow into a true franchise quarterback, something he may never fully achieve in Cleveland.