Shedeur Sanders will open the 2026 season as the Cleveland Browns’ backup quarterback, with Deshaun Watson winning the starting job. But don’t let that news fool you, Browns fans, because head coach Todd Monken is already hyped about what’s coming, telling reporters he’s “excited about the long game for him.” This isn’t just about the present; it’s about a player Monken clearly believes has a massive upside.
Why the “Long Game” Matters for Sanders
Monken’s comments aren’t just coach-speak. He genuinely believes Sanders “will see the field sooner rather than later in 2026.” Think about that. A rookie QB, not even the starter, already has the coach confident he’ll be taking snaps in regular season action before the year is out. That’s a huge vote of confidence, especially after Sanders spent the entire offseason and training camp earning praise for his progress. Monken mentioned that while he doesn’t necessarily know if “some more time behind the scenes” makes a player better prepared for success, Sanders has absolutely shown “plenty of positives” already.
Monken’s Philosophy on QB Development
It’s clear Monken has a specific vision for how quarterbacks develop, and it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. He explained it in a press conference, saying, “Every player is a little bit different. You see quarterbacks go in there and right away play well, and you’ve seen others that need some time, and that’s at every position.” He added that for some, “it happens quicker than others,” and “some have further to go.” What made Sanders stand out? Monken saw “some things that I really liked, the way he’s wired , that’s when we made the decision to give him more reps.” This “wiring” and early impression from the offseason were key to creating a real “competition for Shedeur, and for us,” pushing him to where he is today. Even though Deshaun Watson’s experience made it “pretty obvious that Deshaun was ahead” early on, Monken’s commitment to developing Sanders is undeniable.
So, while Sanders won’t be under center for Week 1, the message from the coaching staff is crystal clear: he’s on a fast track, and Monken is ready to unleash him when the time is right. Keep an eye on the Browns’ sideline, because this “long game” could start playing out sooner than anyone expects.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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