Shedeur Sanders reportedly convinced Todd Monken to become the new Head Coach of the Cleveland Browns

Nearly a month ago, when the regular season ended, the Cleveland Browns parted ways with Kevin Stefanski and have finally named their new head coach: Todd Monken. Monken served as the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens over the past three seasons, so he knows the AFC North extremely well.

Todd Monken has an impressive résumé, especially from his time with the Ravens, where he elevated Lamar Jackson to his peak level, winning the MVP award in 2023 and coming very close to winning it again in 2024. That same season, the Ravens became the first team in NFL history to combine more than 4,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards in a single season.

During the 2024 season, Lamar Jackson threw for 4,172 yards, 41 touchdown passes, and only 5 interceptions. It is worth noting that many believed Jackson should have been the MVP that year instead of Josh Allen, who ultimately received the award. Had Jackson won it, it would have been his second consecutive MVP and the third of his career.

Todd Monken already had his eye on Shedeur Sanders

Despite his strong results as an offensive coordinator, there is no doubt that the final stretch of Todd Monken's tenure with the Ravens was complicated, as his split with Lamar Jackson became public. This situation also led to the dismissal of John Harbaugh, who quickly found a new job as head coach of the New York Giants, where he is now coaching Jaxson Dart.

During the season, NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that the Baltimore Ravens wanted to select Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round of the most recent NFL Draft. However, it was also reported that the current Cleveland Browns quarterback did not want to join a team where he would have to compete with an MVP like Lamar Jackson, as he would have virtually no opportunity to play.

Todd Monken clearly saw something in Shedeur Sanders, and although he was unable to acquire him last season, he now has him on the roster. It remains to be seen what Monken's plan is for Sanders, who was undoubtedly the Browns' best-looking quarterback last season. It wasn't spectacular, but the offense moved more effectively with him than with Joe Flacco or Dillon Gabriel.

The Browns have a great deal of talent on the defensive side of the ball. Monken's biggest challenge will be the quarterback position, which once again appears set to be a major storyline. Not only will Shedeur Sanders be in the mix, but Deshaun Watson is also returning after not playing since Week 7 of the 2024 season, along with Dillon Gabriel, who-like Sanders-will be entering his second year.