A new coaching era in Cleveland is already reshaping the tone around the quarterback position, and Shedeur Sanders is making that clear. After the first session of the Browns’ voluntary veteran minicamp, the second-year quarterback pointed to a noticeable shift under new head coach Todd Monken, describing the environment as a “new vibe” with “new energy.”
That change showed up immediately on the field. Sanders was first into team drills and shared work with Deshaun Watson.
Monken indicated the rotation could vary throughout camp, but early reps suggest Sanders is firmly in the mix as Cleveland evaluates its quarterback room.
The transition marks a sharp contrast from last season. Under former coach Kevin Stefanski, Sanders began his rookie year buried on the depth chart before gradually earning opportunities.
Now wearing his familiar No. 2 jersey again, the former fifth-round pick is entering Year 2 with increased responsibility and visibility within the Cleveland Browns offense.
Sanders credited Monken’s approach for helping establish that shift. “Coach Monken’s great, and all the other coaches on the staff are extremely great,” he said to ESPN. “They’re going to understand and embrace you just as a person, and then they push you each and every day… It’s a new vibe, a new energy.”
He added that the coach’s belief has made a direct impact: “I think Coach just spoke life into me.”
That connection has been building since the offseason. Monken, who previously ran the offense for the Baltimore Ravens, met Sanders early in Cleveland and quickly established a rapport, even joking about trying to draft him in the past.
The relationship has since grown, with Sanders recently gifting Monken a horse head for his birthday.
The renewed momentum follows a rookie campaign that had its share of ups and downs. Sanders started the final stretch of the season, finishing 3–4 as a starter while throwing for 1,400 yards with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Despite the inconsistencies, he helped secure late-season wins over division rivals, closing the year with tangible progress.
That late push also led to recognition beyond Cleveland. Sanders was recently named a Pro Bowl replacement after Drake Maye became unavailable due to the New England Patriots’ advancing to the Super Bowl.
