A quiet February press conference reopened a familiar Cleveland debate.
Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith publicly criticized the Cleveland Browns for declining to name Shedeur Sanders their starting quarterback after new head coach Todd Monken said the job remains “to be determined.”
Sanders’ first NFL season delivered flashes without final answers. The fifth-round pick out of Colorado started seven games during the 2025 regular season, completing 56.6% of his passes for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
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The numbers reflected inconsistency, but context mattered. Several Browns observers felt Sanders was not fully supported under former head coach Kevin Stefanski, pointing to scheme fit and protection issues. Cleveland ended the season without clarity at quarterback, leaving the position unresolved heading into the offseason.
“That is to be determined. I am excited to coach all of the quarterbacks in the room this year…
Monken’s message and the reaction it sparked
That uncertainty continued with Monken’s arrival. During his introductory press conference, Monken was asked directly whether Sanders would be the Week 1 starter. His response was measured.
Emmitt Smith says Shedeur Sanders DESERVES to be named the Browns QB1 heading into the offseason:
“What does Cleveland have? Absolutely nothing. So whats the debate?”@EmmittSmith22 | @heykayadamspic.twitter.com/O9kHkNkOyp
? Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) February 5, 2026
“That is to be determined,” Monken said, explaining that competition would shape the quarterback room and that he was eager to coach all available options.
The lack of commitment immediately drew attention.
“What does Cleveland have? Absolutely nothing. So what’s the debate?
Emmitt Smith speaks out
Appearing with Kay Adams, Smith openly questioned Cleveland’s approach. The former Dallas Cowboys star argued that the Browns were overcomplicating the situation, especially given their recent history at the position.
Smith compared Cleveland’s hesitation to how other teams handled young quarterbacks such as Drake Maye and Trevor Lawrence, both of whom were named starters early in their careers. His point was direct: Cleveland has little to lose by backing Sanders now.
“That is to be determined. I am excited to coach all of the QBs in the room this year.”
-Browns HC Todd Monken in his introductory press conference on whether or not Shedeur Sanders heads into training camp as QB1#DawgPoundpic.twitter.com/LxEE6y2aRR
? SleeperBrowns (@SleeperBrowns) February 3, 2026
The context behind the criticism
There is a notable distinction. Maye and Lawrence were top-three draft picks, investments that typically receive immediate opportunity and extended patience. Sanders was selected on Day 3 of the draft. League analysts at ESPN and NFL.com have long noted that draft capital heavily influences quarterback timelines.
Still, Smith’s comments resonated because they touched a broader issue. The Browns have cycled through quarterbacks for years, and organizational indecision remains a pressure point across the league.
“I guess coaches want to make sure guys know there’s no security in their position and they want them to be as competitive as possible. No one wants to hand anything to them. This is how they’re treating Shedeur. But they handed it [the starting job] to Drake Maye. They also handed it to the kid in Jacksonville [Trevor Lawrence]…
Sanders stays confident as the offseason unfolds
Sanders has shown no public hesitation. Earlier this week on “Up & Adams,” he reflected positively on his rookie year.
“I proved to myself I’m able to dominate the league,” Sanders said, adding that consistency is now his focus.
Cleveland now moves into the offseason without declarations but with heightened scrutiny. Monken will oversee a competition-based quarterback room. Sanders will prepare as though the job is his to earn. And with Smith’s criticism echoing beyond Cleveland, the Browns’ next decision under center carries more weight than usual.
This article is based on official Cleveland Browns press conferences, televised interviews with Kay Adams, publicly available 2025 NFL season statistics, and league analysis from ESPN and NFL.com.
