Shedeur Sanders has heard the noise surrounding theCleveland Browns quarterback competition.Todd Monken has heard it, too, and does not seem interested in feeding it.
While questions continue to swirl around who’ll open the season as the Browns’ starter, Sanders spent this week’s minicamp talking less about depth charts and more about the coach pushing him every day.
Shedeur Sanders Credits Todd Monken’s Demanding Approach For His Growth
Shedeur Sanders throws at the Browns OTA in Berea on May 27, 2026. © Lisa Scalfaro / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
On June 11, Sanders spoke to reporters after minicamp and was asked what has helped him develop the most under Monken since the Browns hired the veteran coach earlier this year. His answer had little to do with schemes or playbooks:
“Relationships. I never want to let my coaches down at any point. Even if it may look like a good day, if I know internally there are a couple of things I messed up on, it’s all about the relationship. That’s what I’m built on, and that’s what I appreciate the most.”
#Browns QB Shedeur Sanders on the biggest way HC Todd Monken has helped him develop on the field:
“Relationships. I never want to let my coaches down at any point. Even if it may look like a good day, if I know internally there are a couple of things I messed up on, it's all… pic.twitter.com/9bIUBz9fym
— Ashly Holder (@AshNoelleTV) June 10, 2026
The comment offered a glimpse into why Sanders has connected quickly with Monken. Throughout minicamp, Monken has built a reputation for stopping plays, correcting mistakes on the spot, and demanding clean execution. Sanders does not appear bothered by any of it. In fact, he’s repeatedly embraced the challenge.
Earlier this week, the second-year QB compared Monken’s style to something he already knew well from his college days under his father, Deion Sanders.
“I definitely like his expectations he has for us. He gives you no choice but to be great or get out the way.”
That mindset has stood out during Cleveland’s offseason program. Monken recently praised Coach Prime’s son’s progress, alluding to sharper footwork, quicker decisions, and a better understanding of the offense. The Browns coach also made it clear that neither Sanders nor Deshaun Watson has separated in the race for QB1, with both expected to continue competing through training camp.
However, Sanders keeps steering the conversation back to development. The former Colorado Buffaloes star started seven games as a rookie and entered the offseason looking to take a step forward. Judging by both his comments and Monken’s praise, that process appears to be moving in the right direction.
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