Monken emphasized that Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and Deshaun Watson are all in the mix and said Cleveland will explore the draft, free agency and trades to build out the QB room, expressing excitement about all the quarterbacks and the chance to coach the team.
Smith argued the Browns are operating from a need-based stance with no clear direction, contrasting Cleveland’s approach with other teams that have entrusted younger quarterbacks with the starting job. “What does Cleveland have? Absolutely nothing. What’s the debate? Are you going to give it to Dillon again?” Smith said on Up & Adams, highlighting his concern that Sanders isn’t being afforded security or a defined path.
The Hall of Famer praised Sanders’s intangibles, noting his energy, swagger and confidence as assets that could help the Browns if harnessed properly. “Forget what he looks like or how he walks. You want someone who is confident… who says they’ll lead the organization and is willing to take on the pressure,” Smith said, adding that Sanders has handled questions professionally and shows leadership when the spotlight is on him.
Sanders’ rookie year included seven starts, with roughly 1,400 passing yards and seven touchdowns to go with 10 interceptions, a showing Smith described as evidence of upside and playmaking potential. Sanders has publicly defended his confidence, saying he sees flashes of dominance and remains focused on translating those moments into consistent NFL performance.
Monken has framed the quarterback competition as a development arc involving two young players—Sanders and Gabriel—alongside a returning Deshaun Watson, a former Pro Bowler who presents a high ceiling when healthy. “You’ve got two young players who still have a long way to go… Then you have a player like Deshaun, who is coming back from injury and was once a Pro Bowl player,” Monken said, signaling a measured path rather than an immediate overhaul.
With the Browns continuing to evaluate options through the draft, free agency and trades, the Sanders situation remains unsettled. Smith’s critique highlights a broader tension: Cleveland’s strategy appears to balance development with a willingness to pursue immediate reinforcements, a tension that will shape the Browns’ quarterback plans in the coming months.
