Jan 30, 2026
3 min read
Months after the 2025 NFL draft, there were rumors that the Baltimore Ravens wanted to draft Sheider Sanders, but the quarterback turned it down.After landing the head coach of the Cleveland Browns, Monken has since confirmed those rumors.
Todd Monken confirms rumors of Shedeur Sanders-Ravens first game as Browns QB
Todd Monken confirms rumors of Shedeur Sanders-Ravens debut as Browns QB originally appeared on The Sporting News Add The Sporting News as a preferred source by clicking here.
A few months after the Cleveland Browns selected quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft, there were rumors that the Baltimore Ravens wanted to draft him.
However, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter in September, that never materialized because Sanders told the Ravens he didn't want them to select him as the team's head coach alongside Lamar Jackson.
"But before the Ravens could hand over the card, the former Colorado star told Baltimore he didn't want to be on a roster with Lamar Jackson, where he won't be playing anytime soon," league sources said.
At least part of that report has already been confirmed, and it was confirmed by former Ravens offensive coordinator and new Cleveland head coach Todd Monken.
When he met Sanders in person for the first time since taking the job, Monken told the Colorado product that the Ravens tried to draft your a** last year."
Mongan said nothing about Sanders' refusal to go there.
"We tried to fix ** last year. Things happened. One day we'll get a chance to talk about it," Monken told Sanders in a video released by the Browns.
The fact that Monken was on the Ravens' roster suggests he was involved in Sanders' selection and believes in him.
That's good news for the young quarterback heading into the 2026 offseason, who is trying to establish himself as the long-term answer.
Meanwhile, Sanders' biggest challenge could be Deshaun Watson, who is under contract for one more season.
Dillon Gabriel will also likely get another look in the running, but Sanders has the edge after passing him on the 2025 depth chart.
We haven't ruled out the Browns bringing in another signal caller to add to that group, so the initial scenario is anything but settling in Cleveland.
