Cleveland Browns Quarterback Situation Takes Uncertain Turn with Todd Monken's Hired
The Cleveland Browns' quarterback situation has been shrouded in uncertainty, and recent changes have only added to the mystery. The team's decision to hire former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as its new head coach has sparked speculation about who will lead the team behind center.
While Deshaun Watson remains under contract, his status is still uncertain due to multiple Achilles injuries and a massive financial commitment. Rookie Shedeur Sanders, who started seven games in 2025, also faces scrutiny after an uneven debut. With the No. 6 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the team's position at quarterback has become increasingly precarious.
According to ESPN analyst Daniel Oyefusi, Monken is inheriting a quarterback room that lacks Lamar Jackson's dual-threat capabilities but still boasts varying levels of athleticism. Oyefusi notes that Sanders' ability to extend plays with his legs is an asset, while Watson remains the team's "wild card" – a player still recovering from injuries and tied to the franchise by a significant investment.
If Watson returns to form, the Browns face difficult decisions about whether to reopen the door for the veteran or fully pivot towards youth and cost control. However, if Sanders takes a leap forward in Year 2 and Monken's system accentuates his strengths, Cleveland may already have its long-term answer at quarterback.
The team's next moves will determine whether Sanders is the foundation of the franchise or simply one piece in a larger puzzle. With ongoing medical updates, staff hires, and early offseason evaluations, the Browns' future at quarterback hangs precariously in the balance.
The Cleveland Browns' quarterback situation has been shrouded in uncertainty, and recent changes have only added to the mystery. The team's decision to hire former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as its new head coach has sparked speculation about who will lead the team behind center.
While Deshaun Watson remains under contract, his status is still uncertain due to multiple Achilles injuries and a massive financial commitment. Rookie Shedeur Sanders, who started seven games in 2025, also faces scrutiny after an uneven debut. With the No. 6 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the team's position at quarterback has become increasingly precarious.
According to ESPN analyst Daniel Oyefusi, Monken is inheriting a quarterback room that lacks Lamar Jackson's dual-threat capabilities but still boasts varying levels of athleticism. Oyefusi notes that Sanders' ability to extend plays with his legs is an asset, while Watson remains the team's "wild card" – a player still recovering from injuries and tied to the franchise by a significant investment.
If Watson returns to form, the Browns face difficult decisions about whether to reopen the door for the veteran or fully pivot towards youth and cost control. However, if Sanders takes a leap forward in Year 2 and Monken's system accentuates his strengths, Cleveland may already have its long-term answer at quarterback.
The team's next moves will determine whether Sanders is the foundation of the franchise or simply one piece in a larger puzzle. With ongoing medical updates, staff hires, and early offseason evaluations, the Browns' future at quarterback hangs precariously in the balance.
Monken gotta figure out wat to do w/ deshaun watson he's still tryna recover from those injuries & it's like 2 much money 
but shedeur sanders got potential 
he played decently last yr, maybe monken can help him unlock his full potencial? 
we'll see if Sanders becomes the real deal or if they have to go w/ another QB... its gettin hard to keep track of this team 
I mean, I'm not saying it's the best, but their avocado toast is pretty on point. And can we talk about how some of these NFL quarterbacks are getting paid more than celebrities? Like, what even is that? 
Like Todd Monken's gonna fix Deshaun Watson's ego issues or Shedeur Sanders' inconsistency? I'm not saying it's impossible, but more like... have you seen the prices of beer in Cleveland lately? It's gonna take some serious changes (and cash) to make this thing work 
. I think Deshaun Watson's situation is particularly interesting, given his dual threat capabilities – if he returns to form, it'll be tough for the team to part ways with him 
. The Browns' decision-making process is going to be crucial in determining whether they stick with the young gunslinger or go back to the veteran vet 
. It's hard to predict what the future holds at this point – I'm cautiously optimistic about Sanders, but also aware that Watson could still shake things up 
.