The Cleveland Browns opened minicamp with a clear plan at quarterback, and Shedeur Sanders was right at the center of it. Head coach Todd Monken addressed how reps were split on Day 1, outlining a structured approach designed to evaluate every option on the roster.
Shedeur Sanders Gets First Look in QB Rotation
Monken confirmed the rotation was intentional from the start. The coaching staff, led by quarterbacks coach Mike Bajakian, mapped out the workload before practice began. The goal was clear. Give Shedeur Sanders the early edge while still involving every quarterback in the system.
They intended for “Shedeur to start” also adding that “The way it was going to turn out Shedeur would get more reps,’” Monken said.
That plan placed Sanders in the spotlight early in minicamp. He handled the opening reps as the Browns began installing their offensive sets. At the same time, the structure allowed for flexibility depending on how practice unfolded.
Monken emphasized that the rotation was not exclusive. Reps were distributed across the quarterback room to ensure a full evaluation. “It was set up in such a way for us to get a look at all of them,” he added.
That included opportunities for Deshaun Watson and Dillon Gabriel. Both quarterbacks saw time on the field as the Browns worked through different packages and scenarios during the session.
The approach reflects a measured strategy early in camp. While Sanders opened with more reps, Monken made it clear that the distribution is not fixed. The coaching staff plans to adjust based on performance and progression throughout minicamp.
For now, Day 1 provided a structured but flexible look at the Browns’ quarterback situation. Sanders took the first step with increased reps, while Watson and Gabriel remained active parts of the rotation as evaluations continue.