The Cleveland Browns are yet to sort out their quarterback dilemma. With a new head coach, Todd Monken, in the program, the pressure gets 10x. However, amidst these uncertainties, Shedeur Sanders has a reason to look forward to the 2026 season. Thanks to Monken, who changed Shedeur's perspective on learning.

It's Monken's second stint in Cleveland after serving as the offensive coordinator in 2019. Shedeur did not cross paths with him last time. This time, he learnt that Monken's playbook is about adjusting to the players' learning style.

"You could say somebody don’t know how to learn, but it’s like, how did the person get all the way to this level if he don’t know how to learn?" said Shedeur during the first session. “So then you got to change the perspective and think: Does he not know how to learn, or do I not know how to communicate with him?”

Monken's playbook has helped Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson win the NFL Most Valuable Player Award twice. Not to forget, he was the offensive playcaller who led the Georgia Bulldogs to back-to-back national championships.

Last season, Shedeur made his NFL debut in the second half against Baltimore when Dillon Gabriel exited due to a concussion. He went 4-of-16 for 47 yards with a pick, recording a 13.5 passer rating.

It was the lowest by a quarterback with 15+ attempts in a debut since Brandon Weeden’s 5.1 in Week 1, 2012. With a lot to improve, Shedeur has the backing of a supportive coaching staff.

"Coach Monken's great and all the other coaches on the staff are extremely great," Sanders shared. "They're going to understand and embrace you just as a person, and then they push you each and every day in the meeting room, on the field, in the weight room. It's a new vibe, a new energy."

While Shedeur had to wait longer in the 2025 season, Monken already has a plan for him this time.

How Things Are Taking Shape for Shedeur Sanders Under Monken

Shedeur began his first NFL offseason as the fourth quarterback in a four-man competition. Finally, he started the eight games of the 2025 season. While he started, Cleveland went 3-5 in those outings, and Shedeur completed 56.6% of the passes, with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

But Monken had a plan this season. On the first day of voluntary minicamp, Tuesday, April 21, Shedeur led the way in the opening team-drill sequence. It is a notable sign that the Browns are giving him the initial opportunity to stake his claim as QB1.

Compared to his rookie year, Shedeur pointed out that he is getting more practice reps.

"The plan was that Shedeur would have a few more reps, but let Shedeur and Deshaun each get reps with the ones," Monken said.

So, Monken is already tapped into the 'first man up' mindset when it comes to Shedeur. After the draft, things are likely to clear.

How do you think Shedeur's future in Cleveland looks under Monken? Share your thoughts.

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Written by

Sourav Ganguly

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar