Once the Cleveland Browns hired Todd Monken, many around the league viewed it as a pretty good hire. Monken has been in HC conversations for a while, and with his offensive success with the Ravens, it was only a matter of time before it happened.
Former Super Bowl Champion Speaks Out Against Emmanuel Acho’s Take
The QB conversation is now the main conversation around the Browns, and with Shedeur Sanders being the best option on the roster, he may be the clear option in 2026. With Monken working well with QBs, a partnership with Sanders could be great, but former NFL player Emmanuel Acho heavily disagreed.
First, focusing on what Acho had to say about the Monken hire, he questioned why Sanders would listen to Monken, since the new HC has not won at the NFL level. This take did not receive a positive reaction throughout the NFL World, including from 2-time Super Bowl Champion Asante Samuel.
The former New England Patriots DB had this to say about Acho’s take on Moken and Sanders, “This by far has to be one of the stupidest things you tell a player, besides quitting.”
“Am I the only one that thinks he sounds like a scammer? You sound convincing to some fools, but to a real one, you sound like an idiot”.
🔥 Asante Demolishes Acho 😭🤡
“Nobody likes him. Am I the only one that thinks he sounds like a scammer? You sound convincing to some fools, but to a real one you sound like an idiot”
📽️ @pick_six22 https://t.co/PzSZmTfN1u pic.twitter.com/BrjWF9qnEA
— JaKi 🇺🇸 (@JaKiTruth) January 30, 2026
Focusing on Samuel’s statement about how bad the advice was for Sanders, he was absolutely correct. When the Ravens wanted Sanders in the draft, he reportedly told them not to draft him because he did not want to be a backup. This is just one example, allegedly, why Sanders dropped in the NFL Draft.
Finally, Sanders actually has a really good opportunity to start next season with a coach who is very interested in him. Why would Sanders go ruin that relationship, and probably never play a snap for the Browns or even the entire NFL? It makes little to no sense.
The Browns do not have many QB options besides Sanders for 2026, and Monken’s previous interest in Sanders may have played a role in the decision to hire him as HC. Sanders could and should be the starter in 2026.
