New Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken met with quarterback Shedeur Sanders for the first time on Thursday, revealing that the organization attempted to draft the signal-caller during the 2025 NFL Draft cycle. The meeting took place at the team's facility following Monken's hiring as the successor to Kevin Stefanski earlier this week.
According to Tom Pelissero, Monken greeted his new QB1 with a candid admission regarding the team's prior interest in his services. “You know we tried to draft your ass last year,” Monken told the quarterback during their initial introduction.
Shedeur Sanders was selected by the Browns in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft and took over as the starter late in his rookie season. He finished the 2025 campaign with 1,400 passing yards and seven touchdowns across seven starts, eventually earning a Pro Bowl selection as an alternate. Monken, the former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator, was hired on Wednesday to lead the Browns' offense and oversee Sanders' development.
The interaction confirms the franchise's long-standing interest in Sanders, who is currently positioned as the team's primary option under center heading into the 2026 season. Monken's arrival follows a coaching search where candidates were reportedly evaluated on their specific plans for the young quarterback's future.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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