The Cowboys owner said Dallas evaluated Sanders "extremely high" and praised his "great character," but made clear that with Dak Prescott entrenched as the starter, there is not a fit, per Cowboys insider Todd Archer.
How Dallas Got Linked
The connection originated with Pro Football and Sports Network analyst Cooper Kleinberg, who floated the Cowboys as a landing spot if Cleveland decides to move on.
"What type of offseason would it be if Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys weren't linked to a polarizing, big-name player like Sanders?" Kleinberg wrote.
Lance Reisland of https://t.co/Q57vtHbz1X revealed Shedeur Sanders' biggest strengths, pointing to the quarterback's accuracy, anticipation, and ability to make 15-to-25-yard throws over the middle of the field.
— BrownsNation.com (@BrownsNationcom) July 13, 2026
"I think he attacks the middle of the field, those chunk plays from… pic.twitter.com/X2oc4NWgv7
"Jones could acquire Sanders for relatively cheap and give him the opportunity to develop behind Dak Prescott as the team's long-term backup."
Kleinberg pointed to Dallas trading a fourth-round pick for Trey Lance in 2023 and a fifth-round pick to New England for Joe Milton III in 2025 as evidence of the organization's appetite for developmental quarterbacks.
The roster math complicates it, though.
Dallas already has a crowded backup room with Milton and new signing Sam Howell competing for the primary backup role.
The Broader Trade Picture
The Cowboys chatter grew out of ESPN Cleveland's Tony Rizzo reporting that the Browns have been fielding calls about Sanders.
"There are talks, ongoing calls about the availability of Shedeur Sanders," Rizzo said. "I'm going to say right now, for the record, I don't think the four quarterbacks are going to camp on July 28. Nothing is imminent, but the calls are being made."
Not everyone thinks moving him is wise.
"I think he needs to get some proper rest over the break because I thought his arm seemed to tail off a little. Maybe he's got the slightest bit of fatigue in his surgically repaired shoulder."
— SleeperBrowns (@SleeperBrowns) July 8, 2026
-@MaryKayCabot on QB Deshaun Watson
Watson has not played since 2024 😬#DawgPound pic.twitter.com/TRLsO73Aoa
Browns legend Joe Thomas argued on the Ken Carman Show that Cleveland would be making a reckless decision by shipping Sanders elsewhere before his development runs its course, saying keeping him increases the likelihood he earns and holds a starting role long-term.
Sanders has had a whirlwind year, working his way into Cleveland's starting lineup after an unexpected slide to the fifth round, throwing for 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns, earning a Pro Bowl replacement selection, and shattering the NFLPA's single-season group licensing record with $17.7 million in revenue.
The Browns maintain the quarterback competition with Deshaun Watson remains open under Todd Monken.
Whatever happens, the latest from Jones suggests it will not be Dallas.
