Shedeur Sanders’ chances for starting in the 2026 season just got slimmer. A potential Cleveland Browns quarterback pick just revealed his unique relationship with head coach Todd Monken, threatening Sanders. 

Ty Simpson, the former Alabama Crimson Tide player, opened up about the friendship between his father and Monken. In an X post shared by Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot, Simpson revealed that his father would love for him to play under Monken. 

“My dad and coach Monken go way back. They talk often. He texted him when he got the job, and they’ve texted a little bit (since), so if I had the opportunity to play for the Browns, it would be a dream come true,” said Simpson.

“I’d be in great hands. And then you know, Coach Monken, what he does with quarterbacks and offense is super friendly. Super quarterback-friendly,” added the quarterback.

Jason Simpson, Ty’s father, is a football coach with over 20 years of experience at the collegiate level. Similar to Monken, who also coached two college teams. He was the head coach at Southern Miss between 2013 and 2015.

But Southern Mississippi holds significance for Monken for more reasons. The 59-year-old is credited with turning around the 0-12 team into champions. In 2013, the Golden Eagles were reeling with their worst-ever season. 

However, with Monken at the helm, the team soon won the Conference USA West Division title and also appeared in the Heart of Dallas Bowl in 2015.

This track record is why Simpson has shown immense faith in Monken. The 23-year-old praised Monken’s offensive mindset, the very reason he was hired. 

Ty Simpson shows confidence as Todd Monken remains undecided

With 28 touchdowns for 3,567 yards and only five interceptions, Simpson is a promising prospect, and even he knows it.

The prospect showed just how confident he is during his NFL Draft Combine media availability on Friday.

"First off, I think I'm ready. I'm a franchise quarterback. Alabama prepares you the most for the NFL ... The Alabama locker room is as close to an NFL locker room as you can get,'' said Simpson.

His readiness and impressive college record could pose a problem for Sanders. Neither Sanders nor Dillon Gabriel unanimously impressed experts and fans last season.

While Deshaun Watson is set to make a return, Todd Monken isn't leaning on either of the three Browns QBs just yet. However, he did praise Shedeur Sanders at the Combine.

"I think what you see is elite playmaking ability... You've seen it. We've seen it. You saw it in college. You saw it on tape last season. There's a ways to go, but what rookie isn't? I am excited to work with him," Monken said on Wednesday.

What do you think? Is Ty Simpson a threat to Shedeur Sanders' QB aspiration, or is it too early to say? Tell us your opinion in the comments

Follow the Cleveland Browns Community for more stories.

Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi