In a recent interview at the NFL Scouting Combine, Todd Monken, head coach of the Cleveland Browns, expressed his desire to identify a starting quarterback prior to training camp this summer. Monken emphasized that the outcome of organized team activities and minicamp will play a crucial role in determining the team”s quarterback for the upcoming season.
As of now, the competition includes Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel. Monken stated, “You would hope by the time you get to training camp that the reps you”re giving to your quarterback are for your starter.” He acknowledged that the offseason will ultimately dictate the direction of the quarterback race.
Last year, the Browns faced challenges in managing their quarterback personnel, having acquired Kenny Pickett through a trade, signing Joe Flacco in free agency, and drafting both Gabriel and Sanders. Monken noted that the previous approach of splitting reps among quarterbacks hindered Sanders” ability to gain first-team experience until late in the season.
With a new season approaching, Watson, Sanders, and Gabriel must adapt to Monken”s offensive scheme, moving away from last season”s system. Monken remains optimistic about Watson”s potential, recalling that he was the offensive coordinator at the University of Georgia when the Browns traded for him in March 2022. Watson has faced numerous obstacles, including an 11-game suspension and injuries, limiting his appearances to just 19 games in four seasons with the Browns.
Despite the setbacks, Monken believes in Watson”s elite skill set, stating, “I think anytime that you have a player that at one time has exhibited the skillset at an elite level, I think you”re always going to give them the benefit of the doubt that somehow we might be able to get that out of him again.” He emphasized that it is ultimately the players” performances that will dictate who earns the starting role.
Additionally, Monken is evaluating Sanders with an open mind. Last season, Sanders started in seven games, throwing for seven touchdowns and nine interceptions while being sacked 21 times. Monken praised Sanders” playmaking ability, noting, “He has a real sense in the pocket when it starts to collapse and moving around the pocket.” Monken expressed excitement about working with all the quarterbacks as well as the possibility of adding another player to the mix through the draft or free agency.
