The Cleveland Browns quarterback, Shedeur Sanders, has opened up about new head coach Todd Monken and hinted at his predecessor, Kevin Stefanski, for the first time.

Aaron Steingberg, the host of One Night with Steiny, noted that Sanders looks much happier in the offseason. He followed his observation by asking if it was because of Stefanski’s exit. To which Sanders replied: 

“What matters to me is change. With a lot of things and how I view things, it's more about people who are there for me,” said Sanders.

He recounted his pre-draft interaction with Monken, when he was the offensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens and wanted to draft Sanders.

The quarterback refused the AFC franchise and instead went with the Browns as the 144th overall pick. 

He explained that the decisions related to drafting players are made in a group. It “didn’t work out” with the Ravens, and Sanders is happy about it.

Sanders noted that he is more informed about himself and the game, and a better player because of it. “It's different because you understand what you’re walking into,” he began.

“Like when it comes to the league and what to prepare for, having a year of experience, of learning the game at this level, you have that under your belt. To approach things differently, you’re able to see things differently.”

The 2026 Season Is Set to Be a Difficult One for Sanders

Deshaun Watson has at last recovered from his injuries, creating a competition between the two for the starting position. The management cannot afford to let him go due to the hefty $80.7 million salary cap hit.

Until now, offence, which ranks at the 30th position, was their only concern. But with defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz’s exit, the franchise’s best unit is under threat.

These issues are no relief, given that Sanders did not have an easy start in the pro league. The 23-year-old has never outright spoken against Stefanski, but his rookie season was a rollercoaster. 

Sanders spent the first 10 weeks on the bench watching Dillon Gabriel play as the starting quarterback. 

Sanders performance was constantly scrutinized, and Stefanski made headlines for alleged partiality and misplaced calls. The two could not work well, which reflected in Sanders’ seven touchdowns across eight games. 

He managed only seven touchdowns for 1,400 yards out of the 4,456 yards the Browns made in 2025. Stefanski was shown the exit door after the Browns ended the season with a 5-14 record this year. 

With so many challenges ahead, Sanders needs all the support he can get from Monken. Despite the suspense over the starting quarterback position, Sanders is bringing renewed energy in his second year. 

Do you agree with his statements? Tell us in the comments below.

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Joyita Das