Browns Fans Question Coach Monken's Focus on Watson Over Sanders

WHO:

Pro Football Network - Shannon Sharpe criticized Todd Monken's decision regarding the quarterback battle.

Pro Football Network - Todd Monken is the head coach of the Cleveland Browns.

Heavy NFL - Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders are the quarterbacks involved in the competition.

WHAT:

NBC Sports - Deshaun Watson signed a record-setting four-year, $230 million contract with the Browns in 2022.

NBC Sports - Watson suffered a torn Achilles in 2024, which kept him sidelined for all of 2025.

NBC Sports - General Manager Andrew Berry stated, “I think you have to be open-minded and flexible” regarding the quarterback position and did not rule out Watson signing a new deal with the team after the current season.

Pro Football Network - Todd Monken's prioritization of Deshaun Watson over Shedeur Sanders during practice has drawn public criticism.

Pro Football Network - Browns fans expressed frustration over Todd Monken prioritizing Deshaun Watson for first-team reps.

Heavy NFL - The Cleveland Browns are experiencing a quarterback battle between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders.

WHERE:

Pro Football Network - The events are taking place within the Cleveland Browns organization.

WHY:

NBC Sports - The Browns have started over 40 different quarterbacks since 2000, indicating a history of instability at the position.

Pro Football Network - Fans and analysts, including Shannon Sharpe, are questioning the rationale behind Monken's decision to elevate Watson in the competition.

Pro Football Network - Fans are questioning Monken's decision to focus on Watson over Sanders, indicating a lack of confidence in the coaching strategy.

HOW:

NBC Sports - Regardless of who wins the QB1 job, both Watson and Shedeur Sanders are expected to play at some point during the season.

Pro Football Network - Todd Monken allocated all first-team reps to Deshaun Watson, resulting in a reduced workload for Shedeur Sanders.

Deshaun Watson signed a record-setting four-year, $230 million contract with the Browns in 2022, but he faced a setback when he suffered a torn Achilles in 2024, sidelining him for all of 2025. General Manager Andrew Berry mentioned the need for an open-minded and flexible approach regarding the quarterback position, hinting that Watson could potentially sign a new deal after the current season. Regardless of who secures the starting quarterback role, both Watson and Shedeur Sanders are anticipated to see playing time during the upcoming season.