Shedeur Sanders quickly responded to new Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken’s stance on the team’s quarterback situation moving forward — and what it could mean for Sanders’ chances of remaining the starter.
Monken was officially introduced by the Browns on Tuesday. The first question he took from the assembled media concerned the quarterback situation, specifically Sanders.
“I think like any position on the team, that’s still to be determined,” Monken said. “Am I excited about Shedeur, all the quarterbacks in the room, and to coach this football team? Absolutely. I can’t wait for them to get back and for us to get started.”
Sanders joined Kay Adams shortly after Monken’s press conference and responded to Monken’s statement.
“That’s what’s expected. Each and every day, I have to prove to everybody and to myself also,” Sanders said. “It’s having goals and accomplishing those goals. The small goals will end up in long-term success. Just hit your landmarks and what you need to do. Focus more in depth and take control of your life and what you can control.”
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders ‘Thankful’ for Todd Monken
Sanders has had the opportunity to touch base with Monken. He met his new head coach at the Browns’ facility last week and liked his vibe.
“Coach Monken is real cool. We had a brief interaction. I know the fact I have this mindset that I’m in, I’m able to handle pretty much anything,” Sanders said. “I’m thankful to have coach Monken and being able to connect with him, getting his perspective on ball and seeing how he sees the game. Everything I want to do is the same, but just take it a little deeper.”
Sanders started seven games last season, taking over as the starter in Week 12. He went 3-4, completed 56.6% of his passes for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions with a 68.1 passer rating.
Browns to Explore QB Options in Offseason
Monken’s stance on the quarterback situation in Cleveland aligns with general manager Andrew Berry’s comments at the end of the season. And frankly, the Browns would be foolish to commit to Sanders with a busy offseason ahead.
“I think we saw a lot of progress with Shedeur this year. I think that’s both mentally, physically, playing the position. He’s still very much a work in progress like many rookie quarterbacks are,” Berry said. “Now that all being said, we’re going to do our work on the quarterback market. It’s too important of a position and it’s something that has to be solidified. I can’t sit here and tell you today, you know, whether the solution for or the starter in 2026 is internal or external.”
The Browns also have Deshaun Watson and Dillon Gabriel under contract for next season. Watson missed all of last year while recovering from a pair of Achilles surgeries and is entering the final season of his fully guaranteed $230 million contract.
Gabriel, meanwhile, started six games as a rookie and went 1-5, with the former Oregon standout leaving plenty to be desired — playing it safe, checking the ball down, and rarely pushing it downfield.
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