The QB conversation around the Cleveland Browns is filled with the unknowns. With the 2026 NFL Draft lacking “sure thing” QB prospects and free agency devoid of top-end QBs, Cleveland may need to sit out the search and stick with players on the roster.
If the Browns decide to go with a QB on the roster, Shedeur Sanders is a clear option, and new HC Todd Monken already has history with the QB.
What Did Browns New HC Todd Monken Say To Remind Shedeur Sanders About Prior Interest?
Before the Browns, Monken was the OC with the division rival Baltimore Ravens. Last offseason, the Ravens and Monken were rumored to have interest in the Colorado QB. Now, obviously, there would not have been a lane for Sanders to become the starting QB over Lamar Jackson (besides when the star QB was injured).
It was reported that the Ravens made their interest in Sanders known, but he told them he did not want to be a backup in the NFL.
Funny how things work out, because now, Monken still got the QB he wanted in last year’s draft, but instead of that happening in Baltimore, the partnership exists in Cleveland. In a recent video posted by the Browns, this topic was actaully adressed by the Monken.
When Sanders walked into the room, one of the first things the new HC said was, “You know we tried to draft your a** last year.”
it all worked out@Bullseye_Event | #DawgPound pic.twitter.com/5UC9kjyZnv
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) January 30, 2026
In the video, both Sanders and Monken clearly laughed at the irony of the situation, and the HC also said the two would discuss it later.
Clearly, there is interest from Monken to go ahead with Sanders as QB1 at some point, and the 2026 season may be the perfect time. In free agency, there are not many options, but former Green Bay Packers QB Malik Willis or former Indianapolis Colts QB Daniel Jones stand out. Still, these would be fairly risky signings. In the draft, there are also minimal solid options, so why force the decision?
Use 2026 as a bit of a regroup year to assess Sanders as the starter and a full offseason to develop. Build the roster around him, and if he ends up not being the guy, the Browns can then go into the draft next year, which is a much better QB class. If he is the guy, then the Browns have their first franchise QB since maybe Baker Mayfield.
