Todd Monken says Shedeur Sanders has ‘come miles’ as Browns quarterback competition heats up

Browns Head Coach Notes Sanders Progress During Quarterback Drills

Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken said quarterback Shedeur Sanders has shown clear improvement in his progressions, ball release and grasp of offensive concepts. The comments came during the team’s second organized team activity session as the club prepares for the 2026 season. Monken also noted that Deshaun Watson’s athleticism remains visible in drills despite prior injuries.

Sanders, selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, started the final games of last season after Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel opened the year. The Browns now split first-team repetitions between Sanders and Watson at the voluntary sessions. Additional quarterbacks on the roster include Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green.

Monken indicated he would prefer to identify a starter by the start of training camp in July but acknowledged that decisions at every position may extend beyond the spring period. The new head coach replaced Kevin Stefanski and has faced repeated questions about the quarterback depth chart since taking the role.

The team continues to work through voluntary practices ahead of the full preseason schedule. Monken has emphasized steady evaluation without committing to a timeline beyond the opening of camp.