Sanders quickly responded to Monken’s stance during an interview with Kay Adams, saying the quarterback room must continually prove itself and focus on reachable short-term goals. He emphasized controlling what he can control and hitting explicit landmarks to drive long-term success.
Sanders also noted he has begun building a working relationship with Monken since their brief meeting at the Browns’ facility last week, and he said he appreciated Monken’s perspective on the game and the depth with which he intends to study the position.
Monken’s position aligns with general manager Andrew Berry’s offseason outlook: the Browns will explore the quarterback market rather than lock in a starter for 2026 based solely on last season’s finish. Berry indicated that while Sanders showed progress, he remains a work in progress and that the QB solution will depend on internal development and external options.
Cleveland already has Deshaun Watson and Dillon Gabriel under contract, complicating any presumptions about the 2026 quarterback picture. Watson missed last season while recovering from Achilles injuries and is in the final year of a fully guaranteed contract, while Gabriel showed upside but also inconsistencies as a rookie.
Sanders started seven games last season, taking over as the starter in Week 12 and going 3-4. He completed 56.6% of his passes for 1,400 yards with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions, posting a 68.1 passer rating. His performance remains a key variable in how the Browns proceed in a busy offseason at the position.
