Even though Shedeur Sanders finished the season as the Cleveland Browns’ starter for the last seven games, nothing is guaranteed for him in 2026. He will have to fight with everything, prove his talent-he was once considered a first-round pick-and try to impress the team’s new head coach, Todd Monken.
One advantage for Shedeur Sanders is that Todd Monken, last season as an offensive coordinator, tried to draft him in the fifth round before the Browns did. However, the quarterback didn’t want to go there to avoid competing with an MVP like Lamar Jackson; now the two are reunited in Cleveland.
There’s no doubt that Shedeur Sanders was the Browns’ best quarterback last season, but it wasn’t hard to outperform the terrible numbers of Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel. Sanders threw for 1,400 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, with a 3-4 record-though two of those wins came thanks to the Browns’ strong defense.
Todd Monken has his eyes on Malik Willis
The Browns have a strong defense that can compete with the best in the NFL, but their offense is among the worst in the league, and the quarterback position remains uncertain. Deshaun Watson is back, who hasn’t played since Week 7 of 2024 due to injury, but despite his huge contract, he’s been a real disappointment in Cleveland.
That’s why Todd Monken, a brilliant offensive mind, could look to free agency and target Malik Willis, who performed well as Jordan Love’s backup with the Green Bay Packers. The problem is the Dolphins are also interested in the Liberty University prospect, and according to Jason La Canfora, they could sign him to a 2-year, $40 million contract.
Willis might fall in love with Monken’s offensive system, which in 2023 and 2024 was a top 5 offense in the league, and Monken achieved this with a quarterback like Lamar Jackson, MVP in the first of those seasons and a candidate the next year as well. Not to compare them-Jackson is a two-time MVP-but their playing styles are similar, and Monken could develop Willis.
That’s why if the Browns manage to sign Malik Willis in free agency, it could practically be the end for Shedeur Sanders. This story still has many chapters ahead, but once again, Shedeur is on track to be the preseason protagonist.
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