- NFL. Pat McAfee backs Shedeur Sanders while questioning Deshaun Watson's 'comeback' with the Browns
- NFL. Shedeur Sanders' problems with the Browns are being publicly exposed, which could affect his future
It's no secret that the Cleveland Browns made a major decision by firing Kevin Stefanski at the end of the season after he had served as head coach since 2020. The move was painful because it seemed the franchise had finally found direction under him after years of disastrous seasons. However, his biggest flaw was the team's terrible offense, which is why Todd Monken has now arrived.
Before Stefanski, the Browns had only reached the playoffs a couple of times since 1999, and with him they achieved that same number: in 2020 and 2023. Still, the last two years were disastrous, especially due to instability at the quarterback position. Last season they ended up using three different starters.
Although this wasn't entirely Stefanski's fault, he never managed to find his long-term quarterback. He once had Baker Mayfield but ultimately moved on from him to sign Deshaun Watson, who has turned out to be a major disappointment. Since 1999, the Browns have had 42 quarterbacks who have started at least one game for the team.
It seems the decision for 2026 has been made
Now with Todd Monken as head coach - the former offensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens - he gets his first opportunity in that role in the NFL. The challenge ahead is huge: fixing a Browns offense that was one of the three worst in the league last season. The first step is finding his quarterback, and all signs indicate that Deshaun Watson will get another chance.
"Let me say this. There are people out there, and we'll see how it unfolds, but there are people out there who believe that Deshaun Watson could very well be the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns on opening day," Adam Schefter said on The Pat McAfee Show.
This isn't a surprise. Watson will earn $46 million guaranteed next season, and leaving that amount of money on the bench would be hard to justify. It's the mistake the Browns are still paying for after giving him a five-year, $230 million contract before the 2022 season. Since then, he has played only 19 games due to injuries and suspensions.
Meanwhile, Cleveland Browns fans hope that Shedeur Sanders will take control of the offense. He will be entering his second season and started the final seven games of last year, showing flashes of promise, although there were also moments that revealed he had limited practice time with the first team.