Shedeur Sanders has 'come a long way' in development, Browns coach says
Shedeur Sanders is battling Deshaun Watson for the Cleveland Browns ' starting quarterback job, and coach Todd Monken is impressed with the progress the second-year signal-caller has made during the competition. Monken was asked about both quarterbacks during a May 20 media availability . The first-time head coach praised Sanders' development over their short time working together. "I think Shedeur's come miles, in terms of his progressions, getting the ball out, his understanding of concepts," Monken told reporters. "I think he's really, really come a long way." OT Tytus Howard: Traded to Cleveland Browns (previous team: Houston Texans) CB Trent McDuffie: Traded to Los Angeles Rams (previous team: Kansas City Chiefs) RB David Montgomery: Traded to Houston Texans (previous team: Detroit Lions) WR DJ Moore: Traded to Buffalo Bills (previous team: Chicago Bears) OT Tytus Howard: Traded to Cleveland Browns (previous team: Houston Texans) OT Tytus Howard: Traded to Cleveland Browns (previous team: Houston Texans) CB Trent McDuffie: Traded to Los Angeles Rams (previous team: Kansas City Chiefs) RB David Montgomery: Traded to Houston Texans (previous team: Detroit Lions) WR DJ Moore: Traded to Buffalo Bills (previous team: Chicago Bears) Monken was similarly complimentary of Watson, noting his athleticism was still evident even as the 30-year-old quarterback attempts to return from a twice-torn Achilles that kept him out the entire 2025 season. "Deshaun's athleticism shows up," Monken said. "Obviously he's had that, but he's had his 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 noted he was impressed by Watson's drive to return to the field and prove himself amid what has been a trying, four-season tenure in Cleveland to date. "Here's a guy that really, at this point, has made plenty of money," Monken said of Watson. "I think we all know that. He's had plenty of success and has had disappointment in his career – a number of things he couldn't control from an injury standpoint. But to come back and want to battle, want to further his career and change the narrative, I think it's really cool." BROWNS NEWS: Deion Sanders is planning to meet with Todd Monken. Here's why Of course, not everything has been pretty so far for Cleveland's quarterbacks. Monken was particularly vexed by the group's performance in Wednesday's 7-on-7 drills, though he didn't specify which signal-callers had struggled most. "We threw interceptions in 7-on-7 for God’s sakes. Who does that?" Monken said. "There’s no pass rush. It was embarrassing." Sanders and Watson have largely been splitting first-team reps during practice as part of the competition. Meanwhile, Dillon Gabriel and rookie fifth-round selection Taylen Green have been handling the second- and third-team reps respectively. Is Monken able to say which of the quarterbacks is ahead in the battle thus far? "No," he replied matter-of-factly when the topic was broached. The 60-year-old also acknowledged the team will continue to divvy up the quarterback reps throughout OTAs, with the goal of being able to name a starter at the end of spring and entering training camp. Even so, Monken wouldn't guarantee anything would be set in stone until the team's Week 1 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. "You'd love to have it at every position at the end of spring, but you can't guarantee that," Monken said. We'll have it set for Jacksonville." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Todd Monken praises Shedeur Sanders but isn't ready for QB decision
