Hall of Famer rips Browns, Todd Monken for treatment of Shedeur Sanders

During his introductory news conference, Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken noticeably declined to name 2025 rookie Shedeur Sanders the team's starting quarterback for the beginning of springtime workouts. 

During a Thursday appearance on the FanDuel TV "Up & Adams" program, Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith ripped Monken and the Browns for how Sanders seemingly is being treated this offseason. 

Is Shedeur Sanders the Browns' best QB option this offseason?

"I guess coaches want to make sure that guys know that there is no security and they want them to compete for the job," Smith said, per Heavy's J.R. DeGroote and Jordan Dajani of CBS Sports. "No one wants to hand anything to them. This is the way they’re treating Shedeur. ...What does Cleveland have? Absolutely nothing. What’s the debate? Are you going to give it to [2025 third-round pick Dillon Gabriel] again?"

The previous Browns coaching staff stopped starting Gabriel after he suffered a concussion in Week 11. Meanwhile, Sanders produced some of the worst stats among QB1s as he went 3-4 across seven starts. 

The Browns also have veteran Deshaun Watson in their quarterback room. He hasn't played in a meaningful game since he suffered a torn Achilles tendon in October 2024, but he is expected to remain with the club through the offseason. 

Some analysts clearly believe Sanders won't be a long-term answer at the position for the Browns or for any team. Smith suggested such takes are premature. 

Emmitt Smith: Shedeur Sanders needs more playing time

"He hasn’t played enough or had enough chances to be on the football field," Smith added about Sanders. "When he’s on the football field, they look and feel better. The team believes differently. His energy is different. His swag is different. His level of confidence is different — notice I said confidence, nothing about arrogance." 

Smith mentioned that the Browns need "someone who says they’ll lead the organization and is willing to take on the pressure" of serving as the starter for a franchise that has recorded just one playoff win since it resumed playing regular-season games in 1999. That's all well and good, but such comments ignore the fact that Cleveland's 2026 Week 1 starter may currently be on a different roster this winter.