The Cleveland Browns are entering a new chapter, and they’re doing it with a clear shift in philosophy. In their first major move since parting ways with Kevin Stefanski, the Browns went offense-first, hiring Todd Monken - the former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator - as their new head coach. That decision speaks volumes about where this franchise wants to go, and it could have big implications for the quarterback room, especially for one Shedeur Sanders.
Monken’s arrival brings a fresh offensive mindset to Cleveland, one that prioritizes vertical passing, aggressive play-calling, and quarterbacks who can process quickly before the snap. That’s a style that could suit Sanders - if he can clean up some of the rough edges in his game.
Right now, Sanders appears to have the inside track at QB1. He’s shown more willingness - and ability - to push the ball downfield than Dillon Gabriel, even if that gunslinger mentality has come with a few too many turnovers. Still, when you consider the circumstances - namely, a shaky offensive line that didn’t do him many favors - Sanders’ ability to stretch the field stands out.
But don’t expect Monken to crown anyone just yet.
When asked directly about Sanders’ status as the starter, Monken played it close to the vest. He didn’t commit, didn’t tip his hand, and certainly didn’t anoint Sanders as the future of the franchise. Instead, Monken emphasized that every position on the roster - quarterback included - is still up for grabs.
“I think like any position on the team, that’s still to be determined,” Monken said.
That’s not exactly a ringing endorsement, but it’s also not a red flag. It’s a coach doing his due diligence.
Monken made it clear he’s excited to get to know Sanders and the rest of the roster before making any big decisions. And that makes sense - new head coaches rarely walk in and start handing out depth chart guarantees before seeing their players in action.
Still, for fans hoping to see Monken plant his flag with Sanders, the wait continues.
What we do know is this: Monken’s system thrives with quarterbacks who aren’t afraid to take shots. He’s shown in past stops that he can live with a few mistakes if it means his quarterback is being aggressive and attacking defenses. That could be a good sign for Sanders, whose natural instinct is to go big rather than play it safe.
But there’s a balance to be found. For Sanders to truly thrive in Monken’s offense, he’ll need to grow in a few key areas - namely, pocket poise and post-snap processing.
Monken’s scheme demands a quarterback who can read defenses on the fly and make smart adjustments. That’s where Gabriel might have the edge right now.
But Sanders has the arm talent and the fearless mentality that Monken has historically embraced.
Of course, the Browns aren’t limited to just the guys already in the building. With two first-round picks and a high second-rounder in the 2026 NFL Draft, Cleveland has the capital to bring in another young quarterback if they see someone they love. Names like Alabama’s Ty Simpson or LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier could be in play if the front office and Monken decide to reset the position entirely.
But if Monken sees something in Sanders - something worth developing - the Browns may already have their guy.
The bottom line? The quarterback competition in Cleveland is just heating up.
Monken’s not ready to make any declarations, and that’s fair. But for Sanders, the opportunity is there.
If he can take strides in his development and show he can handle the mental demands of Monken’s offense, he might just be the right quarterback for this new era of Browns football.