TODD MONKEN DENIES COMPARING DESHAUN WATSON TO SHEDEUR SANDERS

Todd Monken, head coach of the Cleveland Browns, rejected a reporter's question during a press conference suggesting he had stated Deshaun Watson had improved more than Shedeur Sanders. Monken said he had not made that comparison and accused the reporter of attempting to mischaracterise his words. The exchange occurred as the Browns continue to evaluate their quarterback options ahead of the coming season.

Monken stated he had been impressed with both quarterbacks and their handling of rotating first-team practice reps. He said Sanders performed well during Saturday's session and that Watson had improved in recent weeks following his recovery from an Achilles injury that sidelined him throughout the 2025 season. Monken described the rotation of reps as a balancing act designed to give both players equal opportunity to demonstrate their abilities. He acknowledged the arrangement was imperfect but said both players had responded positively to the situation.

The Browns' evaluation remains ongoing, with the team still determining its starting quarterback. Watson is returning from his injury layoff, whilst Sanders is competing for the same position. Monken told reporters he was attempting to ensure both quarterbacks received comparable numbers of first-team reps during practice sessions.