New Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken didn’t waste time breaking the ice in his new role – and his first conversation with quarterback Shedeur Sanders came with a candid reminder about last year’s NFL Draft.
On Monken’s first day inside the Browns’ facility, the team released behind-the-scenes video of the head coach meeting players, including Sanders. As the two shook hands inside Monken’s new office, the coach made a blunt but playful comment that immediately caught attention.
We tried to draft your a last year for God’s sake,
“It all worked out. You remember that, right? Some day we’ll get a chance to talk about that.”
Sanders smiled and quickly replied, “That’s what I was about to tell you.”
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The exchange referenced a well-documented storyline from the 2025 NFL Draft. At the time, Monken was serving as offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, who reportedly planned to select Sanders in the fifth round. However, the quarterback and his family asked Baltimore – and the Philadelphia Eagles – not to draft him.
Why Shedeur Sanders passed on Baltimore, and why it matters now
Sanders’ father, Deion Sanders, later confirmed the decision, explaining that the family didn’t want Shedeur entering a situation where he would be buried behind an entrenched franchise quarterback.
Baltimore already had Lamar Jackson, making the path to playing time uncertain. Instead, Sanders was selected three picks later when Cleveland traded up with Seattle to grab him at No. 144 overall.
That decision paid off quickly. Sanders made his NFL debut in Week 11 against the Ravens and went on to start the final seven games of the season, gaining valuable experience in a turbulent year for the Browns’ offense.
Monken’s comment during their meeting effectively confirmed long-standing reports about Baltimore’s interest – and hinted at the coach’s belief in Sanders’ potential long before their paths officially crossed.
Monken, who turns 60 on February 5, officially joined Cleveland after a 24-day coaching search that followed Kevin Stefanski’s dismissal. He arrived in Cleveland aboard the Haslams’ private jet and was welcomed at the team facility by managing partner JW Johnson III and general manager Andrew Berry.
Standing inside his new office, Monken reflected on the moment.
“When I got off the plane, I’m like, it’s everything you work for, everything you work for. Really cool. Really cool.
Building relationships is now a top priority for Monken, especially at quarterback. His past interest in Sanders could bode well for the young passer’s future in Cleveland, particularly as the Browns evaluate their long-term direction under a new regime.
Monken also faces immediate challenges beyond the quarterback room. He must finalize his coaching staff – with only offensive line coach George Warhop officially confirmed – and navigate uncertainty around defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who remains under contract but may not return.
With the NFL Combine set to begin February 23 and free agency opening in March, Monken’s offseason is already moving fast. Still, that first meeting with Sanders offered an early glimpse of chemistry – and a reminder that sometimes, the long road really does “work out.”
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