Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken accused a reporter of attempting to "trap" him during a press conference Monday when questioned about the team's ongoing quarterback competition.
The reporter sought clarification on Monken's previous statements regarding quarterbacks Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders, asking, "Were you saying Deshaun has gotten better since camp or that he’s better than Shedeur?"
Monken responded, "Oh, I don’t think I threw in there that he’s better than Shedeur. I’m not sure I went that far but I appreciate you trying to trap me in that s–t."
Monken has not yet named a starting quarterback for the upcoming season, with Watson, Sanders, and backup Dillon Gabriel all vying for the role. "I’m not there yet," Monken told reporters. "I just don’t see it after the way Shedeur has played and the way Deshaun’s played. They’ve both played well enough to earn the right to compete to start."
The coach had previously indicated a desire to have a starter decided by the beginning of training camp, but July passed without a definitive announcement.
Sanders, in his second year, was recently ranked 35th out of 35 quarterbacks on The Athletic’s 2026 NFL quarterback tiers list, compiled from rankings by 50 executives and coaches. Last season, Sanders completed 56.6 percent of his passes for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in eight games, seven of which he started.
Watson, who missed the entire 2025 season due to an Achilles injury, has not led the Browns to contention since his arrival in 2022. He was ranked 31st on the same tier list.
The Browns are set to open their season on September 13 in Jacksonville, aiming to improve on their 5-12 record from the previous year.