Shedeur Sanders’ unusual gift to his Browns coach made it on his desk before next year, revealing an early bond as Cleveland's three-way quarterback battle begins to take shape
21:52 ET, 31 Mar 2026
Shedeur Sanders smiles before the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl
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Shedeur Sanders presented Browns head coach Todd Monken with a golden horse head as the team begins its QB selection process
Either Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders is one of the most generous young players in the NFL and inside the organization, or he's doing all in his power to make sure that newly appointed head coach Todd Monken won't have to think hard when naming next season's starter.
Sanders has spent significant time inside the facility this offseason and continues to build relationships to jumpstart a slow start to his career. Sanders was drafted in the 5th round of last year's draft and didn't earn the starting nod under Kevin Stefanski until Week 12.
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That commitment is starting to show up for the Browns in small but noticeable ways. One of those moments that wasn't so subtle came in the form of a gift that quickly made its way into the center of the conversation.
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Monken previously admitted to attempting to draft Sanders while still working with the Baltimore Ravens last year.
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Coach Monken revealed that Sanders gave him a gold porcelain horse’s head, which now sits in his office between two Browns helmets. While further details, like the official brand, are not disclosed, D'Argenta Statues & Home Decor sells a 24k gold horse head statue for $20,742.
“If Deshaun gave me an elephant, I’d have that up there too,” Monken said. The Browns coach continues to stress that no QBs on the team's active roster will head into next year feeling like the job is already secured.
Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has already pointed to Sanders’ offseason commitment as a sign of how seriously he’s taking the opportunity in front of him. The young QB was criticized during last year's draft process for coming off as entitled.
Todd Monken talks with the media after being introduced as head coach of the Cleveland Browns
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Monken hinted that the next Cleveland Browns QB battle won't be 'fair'
Reports also indicated that third-round draft pick Dillon Gabriel has not been at the team's facilities as frequently as Sanders during the offseason.
Monken also clarified that the quarterback competition won’t be evenly split when offseason programs begin. Reps are expected to be distributed based on performance and previous evaluations rather than fairness.
Sanders enters that battle with momentum as last season's end-of-year QB1. He finished last season earning a Pro Bowl nod with 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions across eight games while building chemistry with WR Isaiah Bond and TE Harold Fannin Jr.
Shedeur Sanders stands in the pocket during the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl
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Sanders made the Pro Bowl during his rookie NFL season
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Sanders will return to wearing the No. 2 next year after previously wearing No. 12 as a rookie. The switch signals a reset, but Shedeur must still compete with Gabriel and Watson and hope the team doesn't use an upcoming draft pick on another QB.
The Browns hold nine overall picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, with four in the first three rounds. Some mock drafts have the organization linked to Alabama QB Ty Simpson.
Last year's draft saw the team hold seven total picks, using two on QBs and two on running backs, Quinshon Judkins and Dyland Sampson. The Browns drafted defensive tackle Mason Graham with pick 5 and waited until Day 2 to focus on quarterback.