Browns coach Monken sees progress from Sanders heading into 2026

New Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken said he likes what he has seen from quarterback Shedeur Sanders heading into his second NFL season.

Monken took over the job from Kevin Stefanski and has faced repeated questions about the quarterback depth chart. Sanders, whom the Browns selected in the fifth round of last year’s draft, closed the 2025 season as the team’s starter after Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel each began the year ahead of him.

Monken told reporters Wednesday that Sanders has already come a long way.

“I think Shedeur’s come miles, in terms of his progressions, getting the ball out, his understanding of concepts. I think he’s really, really come a long way,” Monken said.

The Browns opened the 2025 season with Flacco at quarterback before turning to Gabriel after Flacco was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals. Sanders earned his first NFL start against the Las Vegas Raiders and kept the job for the rest of the year.

Deshaun Watson, who missed all of 2025 after tearing his Achilles in October 2024, has returned and is sharing first-team reps with Sanders during organized team activities. Watson signed a fully guaranteed $230 million contract with Cleveland in 2022.

Monken said Watson’s athleticism remains evident despite the injuries that have slowed him.

“Obviously he’s had that, but he’s had injuries that have set him back. I wouldn’t say it’s a surprise, but it’s exciting to see – it’s a weapon for him. It’s one of his superpowers, his athleticism,” Monken said.

The Browns also have Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green on the depth chart. Monken said he would like to name a starter by the start of training camp in July but would not rush the decision.