TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 27: Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken looks up at the instant replay during the NFL American Football Herren USA Game between the Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers on November 27, 2016, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire) NFL: NOV 27 Seahawks at Buccaneers PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxRUSxSWExNORxONLY Icon357161127689 Tampa Fl November 27 Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken looks Up AT The Instant Replay during The NFL American Football men USA Game between The Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers ON November 27 2016 AT Raymond James Stage in Tampa Fl Photo by Cliff Welch Icon Sports Wire NFL Nov 27 Seahawks AT Buccaneers PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxRUSxSWExNORxONLY Icon357161127689
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 27: Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken looks up at the instant replay during the NFL American Football Herren USA Game between the Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers on November 27, 2016, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire) NFL: NOV 27 Seahawks at Buccaneers PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxRUSxSWExNORxONLY Icon357161127689 Tampa Fl November 27 Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken looks Up AT The Instant Replay during The NFL American Football men USA Game between The Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers ON November 27 2016 AT Raymond James Stage in Tampa Fl Photo by Cliff Welch Icon Sports Wire NFL Nov 27 Seahawks AT Buccaneers PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxRUSxSWExNORxONLY Icon357161127689
Feb 1, 2026, 7:21 PM CUT
NFL Insider Says Todd Monken Is Not the Answer for All Browns Problems
Hiring Todd Monken might’ve created more problems for the Cleveland Browns than it solved.
After Monken took the job that many believed rightfully belonged to defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, the Browns are still left with two burning questions.
On Saturday, NFL expert Rich Eisen weighed in on the awkward situation and discussed who could be their starting quarterback in the 2026 season. Eisen stated that instead of rookie Shedeur Sanders, it would be Deshaun Watson, if Monken makes the call.
“And again, we don’t know who the quarterback is going to be there. I think it's going to be Deshaun Watson,” Monken said.
“His contract mandates it. His level of experience mandates it. Obviously, this will be something for Todd Monken to answer.”
NFL, American Football Herren, USA Baltimore Ravens Training Camp Jul 27, 2024 Owings Mill , MD, USA Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken walks the field during the afternoon session of training camp at the Under Armour Performance Center, Owings Mill Under Armour Performance Center MD USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xTommyxGilliganx 20240727_twg_gb3_024
NFL, American Football Herren, USA Baltimore Ravens Training Camp Jul 27, 2024 Owings Mill , MD, USA Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken walks the field during the afternoon session of training camp at the Under Armour Performance Center, Owings Mill Under Armour Performance Center MD USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xTommyxGilliganx 20240727_twg_gb3_024
The Browns in 2022 signed a five-year contract to acquire Deshaun Watson for a hefty $233 million. But four years have gone by, and he played only 19 games because of back-to-back injuries until he was deemed fit to come back recently.
Despite his uninspiring 2024 performance, he threw five touchdowns for 1,148 yards and three interceptions. Watson is a veteran. Compared to the rookies on the roster, Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, he played in more games and is contractually bound to play for another year.
And if they decided to let him, it wouldn’t be before June 1, because the Browns would take a cap hit of $131.2 million. This is why Eisen opined that Sanders might be benched, despite the warm welcome he gave Monken and their hilarious banter.
Eisen Then Addressed the Other Elephant in the Room: Jim Schwartz
It has been just a few days since NFL insider Jeremy Fowler reported that Schwartz, upset over Monken’s hiring, could retire.
“[Schwartz’s] options are somewhat limited if they want to hold him to his contract. I think they’re trying to let him cool down,” he said on the Ken Cramen Show with Anthony Lima.
“And then if Jim Schwartz says, ‘I’ll just sit at home,’ who’s going to be the defensive coordinator there?” he asked.
And if Schwartz does that, Eisen believes that the Browns should let defensive end Myles Garrett take over. He opined that Garrett is talented enough to make the play calls on and off the field.
“Just let Myless Garrett do it. If there is anybody who could probably pull off both, it's him.”
Afterall, Garrett has been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame for his 2025 NFL sack record. The 29-year-old defensive end has led the defensive unit with an iron grip and been the Browns’ saving grace.
In the 134 games he’s played since being drafted in 2017, he has made 125.5 sacks. Garrett was also rumored to be involved in the head coach hiring process, which could mean that he is already involved with the management.
That was not to say that Eisen did not the two should sit down and talk before any decisions were made.
“Hopefully get him to sit down with Todd and say, ‘Well, we do eye-to-eye about certain things. Yeah, well, I am under contract, and I’d rather get paid than not. I’d rather be involved with the team than not,'” he said.
The Browns are in a precarious position. Can Jimmy Haslam avoid clashes with new dynamics unfolding within the franchise?
Written by
Akanksha Biradar
Edited by
Oajaswini Prabhu