New Browns HC Todd Monken sends message to Shedeur Sanders, others about starting QB job

A recent interaction involving new Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken and quarterback Shedeur Sanders left some outsiders believing that Sanders is the favorite to be Cleveland's starter heading into training camp. 

During his Browns introductory news conference on Tuesday, Monken predictably was asked about his early thoughts on Cleveland's uncertain quarterback situation. 

Shedeur Sanders not promised anything regarding Browns future? 

As shared by Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN, Monken declined to commit to Sanders as the team's starter at any point during the evaluation process. Monken also expressed excitement about working with a quarterback room that currently features Sanders, fellow 2025 rookie Dillon Gabriel and veteran Deshaun Watson. 

During the latest edition of the "Orange and Brown Talk Podcast," Browns beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer pointed out that "Monken will be very, very impressed with Shedeur’s ability to be a playmaker" and with Sanders' "point guard mentality" as it pertains to playing the position. 

Per Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, Monken said on Tuesday he will look for the "it" factor in choosing his Week 1 starting quarterback. 

Sanders helped the Browns earn three wins over seven starts as a rookie, but he was also responsible for some of the worst stats produced by a QB1 during the campaign. Meanwhile, Watson is reportedly on track to remain on the Cleveland roster even though he hasn't taken a meaningful in-game snap since he suffered a torn Achilles tendon in October 2024. 

Watson missed all of the 2025 season after he re-injured his Achilles during his recovery and required a second surgery.

Browns ownership has clear goal for Todd Monken

Monken hinted during Tuesday's media event that Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam expect the 59-year-old coach to spark a quick turnaround for a club that has endured four losing seasons in five years. 

"Dee and Jimmy cut a check with my name on it," Monken explained, per Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal. "You know what they expect. A freaking kick a-- team."

In short, it sounds like Monken won't be interested in starting a developmental prospect at quarterback this fall. At this point, it may not be a stretch to suggest that Sanders isn't promised a spot on Cleveland's active roster for Week 1 of the 2026 season.