Todd Monken didn’t waste any time getting to work in Cleveland. On his first day at the Browns facility after officially taking over as head coach, Monken made sure to check in with one of the most important players on the roster - quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
The Browns shared a clip of the two meeting in Monken’s office, and it didn’t take long for a little draft-day history to resurface. As they shook hands, Monken brought up a moment from last year that still lingers in the background of Sanders’ NFL journey.
“We tried to draft your ass last year for God’s sake,” Monken said with a laugh. “It all worked out.
You remember that, right? Some day we’ll get a chance to talk about that.”
It was a reference to the 2025 NFL Draft, when Monken was still calling plays as the Ravens’ offensive coordinator. Baltimore had interest in Sanders and was in position to select him just a few picks before Cleveland ultimately did in the fifth round.
But as Deion Sanders - Shedeur’s father - later confirmed, the family had made it clear to both the Ravens and the Eagles they preferred he not be drafted into a situation where he’d be locked in behind a long-term starter. And with Lamar Jackson entrenched in Baltimore, the fit wasn’t ideal.
That decision paved the way for Sanders to land in Cleveland, where his rookie season took a sharp turn midway through the year. Injuries and inconsistency at the position opened the door, and Sanders stepped in as the Browns’ starter down the stretch. Now, with Monken in charge, that Ravens connection from the draft could end up working in Sanders’ favor.
Monken’s interest in Sanders wasn’t just a passing thought - it was real enough that Baltimore considered pulling the trigger. That kind of belief, even a year removed, could carry weight as the Browns evaluate their quarterback situation heading into the offseason. Sanders showed flashes in his rookie campaign, and with a new offensive-minded head coach who already had eyes on him once before, the opportunity to build something together is on the table.
This first meeting was brief, but it hinted at a shared history and a potential future. Monken and Sanders may have missed the chance to link up in Baltimore, but now they’ve got the chance to write a new chapter in Cleveland - one that could shape the Browns’ offense for years to come.