On Monday, August 25, 2025, San Francisco 49ers insider Grant Cohn dropped a bold prediction that sent shockwaves through the NFL community: the 49ers could be poised to trade for Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders. This speculation comes on the heels of the team’s surprising decision to cut their third and fourth-string quarterbacks, Carter Bradley and Tanner Mordecai, signaling a potential shift in their quarterback strategy as they prepare for the 2025 season.
A Strategic Roster Trim
The 49ers’ decision to part ways with Bradley and Mordecai has raised eyebrows, as it leaves the team with only two healthy quarterbacks—starter Brock Purdy and backup Brandon Allen—for their Week 1 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. However, the team still has rookie Kurtis Rourke, a sixth-round draft pick from Indiana, on the roster. Rourke, a former college standout who led the Hoosiers to a College Football Playoff berth despite an ACL injury, is currently sidelined but remains a potential option for the future.
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The cuts could open the door for Bradley or Mordecai to return to the 49ers’ practice squad if they clear waivers, or the team might opt to sign a recently released veteran like Kyle Trask. However, Cohn’s provocative post on X, “Will the 49ers trade for Shedeur Sanders?” suggests the team might have bigger plans in mind.
Shedeur Sanders: A Polarizing Talent
At 23, Shedeur Sanders is one of the most polarizing young quarterbacks in recent NFL history. A former star at Jackson State and Colorado, Sanders was projected as a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft but shockingly fell to the fifth round, where he was selected by the Cleveland Browns. His college career was marked by spectacular individual performances and highlight-reel plays, earning him enough recognition for Colorado to retire his No. 12 jersey in April 2025. Yet, his 13-12 record as a starter for the Buffaloes in 2023 and 2024 has left some insiders questioning his ability to translate raw talent into consistent wins.
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Sanders’ pedigree adds another layer of intrigue. As the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, Shedeur has lived under intense scrutiny. Deion, who coached Shedeur at Colorado, had a memorable stint with the 49ers in 1994, where he earned Defensive Player of the Year honors with six interceptions, three pick-sixes, and a pivotal interception in San Francisco’s Super Bowl XXIX victory. The elder Sanders’ connection to the 49ers could make a trade for Shedeur an enticing storyline, potentially allowing the young quarterback to follow in his father’s footsteps and chase glory in San Francisco.
Why Sanders? Why Now?
The 49ers’ quarterback room is far from desperate. With Purdy established as the starter and Allen as a reliable backup, the team’s depth is further bolstered by Rourke’s potential. So why would San Francisco consider a blockbuster trade for Sanders? Cohn’s prediction hinges on the possibility that the 49ers were impressed by Sanders’ preseason performance with the Browns. If the team believes he could develop into a long-term asset or a high-upside backup, a trade could make sense, especially if Cleveland is willing to part with the former fifth-rounder at a reasonable cost.
However, the move would be a gamble. Sanders’ inconsistent college record and the media spotlight that follows him could disrupt the 49ers’ carefully cultivated team chemistry. Additionally, with Rourke already in the fold, the team may not feel an urgent need for another developmental quarterback.
The Shilo Sanders Subplot
Adding to the Sanders family drama, Cohn also posted a tongue-in-cheek video on X titled “The 49ers Should Sign Shilo Sanders.” Shilo, another son of Deion Sanders, was recently released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after an altercation with Buffalo Bills tight end Zach Davidson during a preseason game. In the video, Cohn jokingly claimed that Shilo would instantly become the 49ers’ best safety, only to quip that he’d likely land on the injured reserve list within a week due to the team’s history of injuries.
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While Cohn’s commentary on Shilo appears to be satirical, it underscores his penchant for stirring the pot. Known for blending sharp analysis with biting sarcasm, Cohn has a track record of accurate predictions alongside provocative takes, leaving fans and analysts debating whether his Shedeur Sanders trade prediction is a legitimate insight or simply clickbait.
What’s Next for the 49ers?
The 49ers’ quarterback shakeup and Cohn’s bold trade prediction have sparked lively discussion among fans. Some see Shedeur Sanders as an exciting addition who could thrive under head coach Kyle Shanahan’s system, while others argue the team should stick with their current roster and avoid the media circus that would accompany Sanders’ arrival. As for Shilo, his signing seems unlikely, given Cohn’s humorous tone and the 49ers’ depth at safety.
With the 2025 season fast approaching, the 49ers’ front office must weigh their options carefully. Will they make a splash by trading for Shedeur Sanders, or will they rely on their existing talent and potential practice squad additions? For now, the Niners’ faithful can only speculate—and eagerly await the next twist in this unfolding saga.
What do you think, 49ers fans? Would you welcome Shedeur Sanders to the Bay Area, or is the current quarterback room strong enough to lead the team to Super Bowl contention?
