Browns Head Coach Praises Shedeur Sanders’ Playmaking Skills As QB1 Race Heats Up: “I’m Excited to Get Started With Him”

Shedeur Sanders has to impress new head coach Todd Monken in training if he wants to become the Browns' QB1.

Browns Head Coach Praises Shedeur Sanders’ Playmaking Skills As QB1 Race Heats Up: “I’m Excited to Get Started With Him”

Shedeur Sanders and Browns HC Todd Monken (Image via Big Mike 9169/X)

In Short
  • Shedeur Sanders led the Cleveland Browns to a surprising 3-4 record despite limited first-team practice reps.
  • New head coach Todd Monken praised Sanders' elite playmaking ability but has not committed to him as the starting quarterback.
  • General Manager Andrew Berry indicated that the competition for QB1 includes Deshaun Watson, who has been inactive since 2020.

Shedeur Sanders has had a lot to process after having to first wait for his turn, and then leading the Cleveland Browns to a 3-4 record that surprised many who considered it to be an impressive feat, given the circumstances.

In comparison, his fellow rookie, Dillon Gabriel, who started six games, could only manage a 1-5 record. What makes it even more impressive is that, unlike Gabriel, the Colorado Buffaloes alum never had the luxury of practice reps with the first team before his debut.

In fact, former head coach Kevin Stefanski was often blamed for intentionally trying to undermine Sanders by not giving him at least a few reps with the first-team offense.

However, over the course of the remainder of the season, both Stefanski and Sanders talked about their improved relationship. But that again changed once their season ended after the head coach was dismissed.

Now, as the 24-year-old looks towards next season, there is still some uncertainty regarding his status with the squad. When new head coach Todd Monken was asked if Shedeur Sanders could lead the Browns, he replied:

Sure, he can. I think what you see is elite playmaking ability. That’s in him… Sure, there are ways to go, but what rookie isn’t? What first-year player doesn’t have a long way to go? I’m excited to get started with him.

Todd Monek replied

The 60-year-old coach added ‘and all of our QBs and all of our players’ at the end of his answer. That is in continuation of how he has not committed to any one particular player as his starting QB. But his glowing praise about Shedeur Sanders should be good news for the sophomore.

Two-time Super Bowl champion believes Shedeur Sanders will be Browns QB1

Todd Monken’s praise might make it seem as if Shedeur Sanders might get the upper hand in the race to become QB1. However, GM Andrew Berry reminded fans that Deshaun Watson is also in the mix.

I guess over 50%. Right now, you’re talking about between him and Deshaun Watson. … Deshaun Watson hasn’t been relevant since 2020.

Damien Woody said on First Take

The two-time Super Bowl champion believes that Watson’s lack of football reps will probably work in the sophomore QB’s favor, as Sanders has been growing in confidence ever since he made his debut.

That might be similar to what Berry said at the Draft Combine. But the latter also talked about how Sanders needs to grow further and learn how to keep the football out of harm’s way.

Woody might be hopeful that the Texas native gets the starting job, but it seems all these words from the head coach and GM will continue to confuse fans until they finally make a decision.

Shedeur Sanders will have his hands full trying to prove his worth in training camp

Right now, the Cleveland Browns are busy at the Combine trying to analyse prospects they would like to select in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.

Shedeur Sanders with Deshaun Watson will battle to be Browns' QB1
Shedeur Sanders with Deshaun Watson will battle to be Browns’ QB1 (Image via Sleeper NFL/X)

Last time they were here, Shedeur Sanders did not work out. This time, they hope they have enough players working out, as the team desperately needs alternatives with almost their entire offensive line becoming free agents.

That could just make it difficult for Deion Sanders’ son to get an upper hand in his battle to become the starting quarterback. The QB will first have to learn and understand their tendencies, and then work his way towards producing results that impress his head coach and GM.

Therefore, from now until the training camp, Sanders would likely be keeping an eye on free agency news and then try to learn about his new teammates before training camp starts.

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