At the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, the Cleveland Browns have publicly praised Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders as their quarterbacks, but doubt lingers over whether this is the full story. The focus of recent discussions centers on whether general manager Andrew Berry and offensive coordinator Todd Monken genuinely believe in the current quarterback group or if their compliments mask a potential unannounced plan to pursue another option.
Examining the Possibility of a Major Quarterback Change
Podcast host Dan Labbe expressed skepticism about the Browns maintaining their current quarterback setup next year. He suggested the organization might be preparing for a significant adjustment, such as signing Malik Willis or exploring a trade for Anthony Richardson rather than settling on the status quo. This perspective aligns with Berry’s reputation for proactive roster management and searching for overlooked opportunities, making a quiet offseason seem unlikely given past behavior.
“It just doesn’t feel like an Andrew Berry move and it doesn’t feel like a Todd Monken, 60 years old, finally getting his shot move to just sort of keep the status quo with that quarterback room. It feels like there’s something, they’re at least going to try something, whether it’s signing Malik Willis, trying to trade for Anthony Richardson, something like that,”
Dan Labbe, Podcast Host
A Patient Approach May Be in Motion
Contrasting that viewpoint, Browns reporter Mary Kay Cabot proposed the front office might adopt a longer-term strategy instead of seeking an immediate change. Her interpretation is that the team intends to evaluate both Watson and Sanders throughout the upcoming season while focusing on strengthening the roster around them. If Sanders does not develop as hoped, Cleveland could be positioned to target a quarterback in the 2027 draft class, which is expected to be deeper in talent.
“Maybe the trick for this year is see what we can do with Shedeur Sanders, see what we have in him, see what we have in Deshaun Watson, get through the season with those two guys as best they possibly can, try to win as many games as they can with a bolstered supporting cast and then come back next year and be poised and have an opportunity to take your quarterback of the future if Shedeur Sanders didn’t turn out to be exactly what you hoped he might be,”
Mary Kay Cabot, Browns Reporter
This scenario suggests that the Browns could trade down from the No. 6 overall pick to accumulate future assets, maintaining flexibility to act decisively when the next class of quarterbacks arrives.
Authenticity of Praise for Shedeur Sanders’ Development
The enthusiastic remarks from Todd Monken regarding Shedeur Sanders have sparked debate over whether his support is genuine or merely part of strategic messaging. Browns reporter Ashley Bastock believes Monken’s confidence in Sanders reflects a sincere belief in the young quarterback’s potential, strengthened by their prior connection. Notably, Monken revealed that during his time with the Baltimore Ravens, he tried to draft Sanders, highlighting familiarity and an invested interest in the player’s growth.
“I think there has always been some element or elements of Shedeur’s game that Todd Monken looks at and thinks he can win with, improve upon, help, develop,”
Ashley Bastock, Browns Reporter
Uncertain Future for the Browns’ Quarterback Situation
Despite the various viewpoints offered by insiders closely following the Browns, concrete answers about the team’s quarterback plans remain elusive. The combination of public praise and conflicting interpretations fuels ongoing debate over whether the team will commit to Watson and Sanders or pursue outside options. This ambiguity keeps fans and analysts engaged as Cleveland moves through the offseason and approaches the 2024 season.
With general manager Andrew Berry known for decisive and inventive roster moves, the upcoming months will be crucial in revealing the Browns’ true approach to the quarterback position. Whether the team embraces a patient development plan or makes a bold acquisition could significantly affect its direction and competitiveness in the NFL.
Listeners interested in detailed discussions and updates on Cleveland’s quarterback landscape can tune into the Orange and Brown Talk podcast, available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
