Former Super Bowl champ, ESPN host questions Browns HC Todd Monken’s QB process

The Cleveland Browns still do not have a starting quarterback for the 2026 NFL season, but HC Todd Monken has at least assigned QB Deshaun Watson the title for the first preseason game. While many would like to see less discussion around the position, the quarterback play impacts everything for the young, developing offense.

When we asked readers what they thought about Monken so far, a lot of the comments revolved around his delayed decision at quarterback:

“I’d like to see him stop dithering over the QB decision.” JohnW81

“He’s very likely made a mistake with the protracted QB competition. He’s been all over the map. He initially said it would be ideal to have QB1 in place by camp. Then he said he wouldn’t name QB1 to start camp, but when pads come on – it would be quickly evident. But that didn’t happen. Prolly shame on QBs for not distinguishing themselves – but if that’s the case make your decision so you can stop the alternating days, splitting reps stuff that at this point is just preventing giving snaps to week one starter, and making it more difficult to stack good practices.” THE realmccoy

“Monken has ONE……ONE problem to figure out and he just can’t do it. He is old school avant garde and is treating his problem with that mentality. And that is what I feared with his hiring. In the end, I feel, the Browns have made a poor decision to hire Monken.“ Beast44

“The only real concern I have with him at this point is the QB decision being strung out. In my opinion if at this stage the much more experienced Watson is not head and shoulders better than Sanders he might as well just name Sanders the starter and let’s prepare properly for the season. Let’s be realistic. If somehow Watson was to have a good season what are the odds he stays? I would say extremely low.” Rael4422

Not everyone was negative about Monken and his way of handling his quarterback decision, but it is interesting that DBN readers had similar concerns as ESPN radio host and former Super Bowl champion, Chris Canty:

In the end, all that matters is whether Monken wins games and develops the young players on the roster. If the process leads to a good outcome, that is what professional sports are all about. At this point, however, we have no idea about the outcome and can only analyze his process so far, especially with the most important position in football.

Do you agree with the DBN users above and Canty, or do you feel comfortable with how Monken is handling the QB decision?