Browns QB Room: Todd Monken Open to Shedeur Sanders as 2026 Starter

The Browns crowded quarterback situation did not get more clouded through the first week of free agency, with them avoiding any veteran upgrades, and league sources continue to maintain that new head coach Todd Monken is open to the idea of Shedeur Sanders being his starter in 2026.

Much has yet to play out, Monken hasn’t even begun his first Organized Team Activity sessions as a head coach, but the Browns resisted the urge to get deep in talks regarding free-agent quarterback Malik Willis (a player they had very favorable scouting reports on according to league sources), they were not involved with trying to land either former top five pick quarterback who was released (Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa). 

Longtime starter Kirk Cousins could perhaps be a consideration for them, though the Browns would not be high on many wish lists given the current state of their roster, but it’s unlikely the team makes a major move at QB before the draft. 

Deshaun Watson remains on the roster trying to return from a long-term injury, but he is in Cleveland still solely based on the ludicrous contract the team bestowed upon him.

What Did Monken Think of Sanders Before Taking The Job?

Expect to see plenty of first-time reps for Sanders this offseason. Monken did heavy evaluations on Sanders last year in the run-up for the draft, with the Ravens, he was Baltimore’s offensive coordinator at the time, seeking to upgrade at back-up quarterback and exploring developmental options. Sanders was more interested in landing with a team that did not already have a fixture in place (like Lamar Jackson in Baltimore) and it wasn’t a fit. 

Sanders had his share of struggles once finally getting a chance to play last season, but Monken is one of the more accomplished play callers and designers in the game, and those who know him well believe he is drawn to someone like Sanders, who some thought be selected in the first round and ended up falling all the way to the fifth round for reasons that were not merely related to on-field ability.

“I know this about Todd, he won’t shy away from that kind of challenge,” said one assistant coach who has worked with Monken before. “I think he kind of eats that stuff up.”

The Browns could look to the draft for another option, but this is a suspect class of quarterbacks, and the team has ample needs at other important positions.