Shedeur Sanders, Todd Monken, and the Browns' Quarterback Puzzle: What Comes Next?
When Todd Monken stepped to the podium for his first press conference as the new head coach of the Cleveland Browns, it didn’t take long for the spotlight to shift toward one of the team’s most intriguing young players: quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
Drafted 144th overall in 2025, Sanders’ rookie campaign was, in a word, uneven. He finished the season with 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions - numbers that don’t exactly scream “franchise quarterback,” but also don’t tell the whole story.
The Browns’ offense was inconsistent, and Sanders, like many rookie QBs, had his fair share of growing pains. But with a new coaching staff in town, there’s a fresh opportunity to evaluate what Sanders can bring to the table - and how Monken might help unlock his potential.
Monken, of course, is no stranger to quarterback development. His recent stint with the Baltimore Ravens saw him help guide Lamar Jackson to an MVP season in 2023, blending creativity with structure to get the most out of Jackson’s unique skill set. That track record has Browns fans wondering: could Monken do something similar with Sanders?
The young quarterback certainly seems open to the idea. Sanders met with Monken face-to-face last Friday, and his early impressions were positive.
“It’s truly great that he was able to coach Lamar and he was able to accomplish everything he was able to accomplish in his life and his career,” Sanders said. “I feel like we definitely have a connection just from talking to him, just seeing his vibe. He has a great vibe about him.”
That kind of early rapport matters - especially for a player like Sanders, who’s still finding his footing in the NFL. While the stats from his rookie year won’t blow anyone away, he showed flashes of poise and arm talent that the Browns clearly saw enough of to keep him in the mix heading into 2026.
Still, Monken isn’t ready to hand out starting jobs just yet.
“That is to be determined,” he said when asked whether Sanders would be the Week 1 starter. “I am excited to coach all of the quarterbacks in the room this year.”
It’s a measured, thoughtful approach - and the right one. Monken’s not walking into Cleveland to crown anyone.
He’s here to evaluate, to build, and to compete. For Sanders, that means nothing is guaranteed, but everything is possible.
And that’s where things get interesting. Sanders has the tools - a quick release, mobility, and a confident demeanor - but he also has to clean up the turnovers and improve his decision-making under pressure. With Monken now in the building, the hope is that a more quarterback-friendly system and a fresh set of eyes will help Sanders take the next step.
There’s also the question of who else will be in that quarterback room. The Browns could bring in a veteran to push Sanders, or even draft another prospect to add to the mix. But no matter who else is in the fold, Sanders is going to have a chance to show what he’s made of - and Monken’s influence could be the X-factor in his development.
For now, Cleveland fans should take a wait-and-see approach. The Sanders-Monken pairing is still in its early stages, but the foundation appears promising.
A young quarterback with upside. A coach with a proven track record of maximizing talent.
And a franchise looking to turn the page.
If Sanders is willing to learn, and Monken can tailor the offense to his strengths, the Browns might just have something brewing.