Observations from Day 1 of voluntary veteran minicamp The Cleveland Browns began their voluntary veteran minicamp on April 21, 2026, marking the first opportunity for the team’s new coaching staff under head coach Todd Monken to work with players during the offseason program. The three-day event, running through April 23, focused on evaluating the quarterback competition and refining team dynamics. Monken expressed satisfaction with the initial session, highlighting the players’ adaptability and the progress made despite the condensed timeline. The minicamp’s first day featured structured drills designed to assess the quarterbacks’ readiness. All three quarterbacks—Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, and Dillon Gabriel—participated in team periods, rotating through individual and group drills. Monken explained that the practice plan aimed to balance reps among the quarterbacks while giving Sanders a slight edge due to his early reps in the first 11-on-11 period. The drills included a mix of handoffs to running backs and live plays, with the coaching staff emphasizing the importance of evaluating each quarterback’s ability to lead and execute under pressure. In the first 11-on-11 period, Sanders started with handoffs to running backs Dylan Sampson and Raheim Sanders. The second team period incorporated more live action, with Sanders connecting with tight end Harold Fannin Jr. on the opening play. Watson followed, demonstrating his ability to move the ball with a handoff to Sampson and later completing passes to Fannin, Jack Stoll, Tylan Wallace, and Malachi Corley. Gabriel, who took over in the 7-on-7 drills, connected with Caden Prieskorn on consecutive passes before a pass was intercepted.#cleveland_browns #todd_monken #dillon_gabriel #shedeur_sanders #deshaun_watson
Shedeur Sanders says Todd Monken brings 'new vibe' to Browns Shedeur Sanders, the Cleveland Browns' second-year quarterback, described the coaching staff under first-year head coach Todd Monken as bringing a "new vibe" and "new energy" to the team during the first practice of the Browns' three-day voluntary veteran minicamp. Sanders, who wore the No. 2 jersey for the first time since his college days, emphasized the positive impact of Monken's leadership and the overall coaching staff, which he said fosters both personal connection and daily competition. "Coach Monken's great and all the other coaches on the staff are extremely great," Sanders said. "They're going to understand and embrace you just as a person, and then they push you each and every day in the meeting room, on the field, in the weight room. It's a new vibe, a new energy." Sanders, the 144th overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, entered the 2025 season as the fourth quarterback in Cleveland's competition under former head coach Kevin Stefanski. However, he quickly rose to prominence, starting the final seven games of the season and earning the No. 2 jersey for the 2025 campaign. During that stretch, Sanders compiled a 3-4 record as a starter, leading the Browns to victories against division rivals the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals in the final two games of the season. Despite the team's overall 5-12 record, Sanders' performances in those critical matchups highlighted his potential as a leader. This season, Sanders finds himself in a quarterback competition with Deshaun Watson, who missed the 2025 season due to rehabilitation from a 2024 Achilles tear, and Dillon Gabriel, the 2025 third-round pick who started six games as a rookie.#cleveland_browns #todd_monken #dillon_gabriel #shedeur_sanders #deshaun_watson
Cleveland Browns Linked to Surprising NFL Draft Move The Cleveland Browns are reportedly considering a significant move in the upcoming NFL Draft, focusing on addressing a critical need at the tight end position. This potential strategy follows the team’s recent success with Harold Fannin Jr., a third-round pick from the 2023 draft who has emerged as a key contributor to the offense. Fannin’s rookie season was marked by 72 receptions for 731 yards and six touchdowns, with 107 targets, establishing him as a reliable target in the Browns’ passing game. However, the team’s decision to release veteran tight end David Njoku—despite his Pro Bowl credentials—has left a gap behind Fannin, prompting speculation about a draft investment in the position. Njoku, a former Pro Bowler, was let go after the 2023 season, and he remains unsigned as of now. The Browns’ move to part ways with Njoku has created a pressing need for depth at tight end, as the team now lacks a clear secondary option behind Fannin. Analysts suggest that the Browns may prioritize adding another tight end in the draft, particularly with their nine draft picks available this year. Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine highlighted the importance of this position, noting that Todd Monken, the team’s offensive coordinator, has experience working with dynamic tight ends like Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely. Ballentine argued that while drafting a tight end may not be a top priority, it could provide flexibility for the quarterback position in the future. Potential targets for the Browns include Ohio State’s Max Klare, Stanford’s Sam Roush, and Georgia’s Oscar Delp, all of whom are projected to be selected in the later rounds.#cleveland_browns #david_njoku #todd_monken #harold_fannin_jr #alex_ballentine
Cleveland Browns’ $1.5 million gamble on Robert Tonyan could fill void left by David Njoku’s departure The Cleveland Browns face a significant challenge in the wake of David Njoku’s departure, as the team loses not only a key contributor on the field but also a veteran leader whose presence shaped the locker room dynamic. Njoku’s exit leaves a glaring gap in both production and leadership, particularly as the Browns navigate a new era under head coach Todd Monken. While Njoku was expected to remain with the team long-term, recent developments—including the emergence of Harold Fannin Jr. and the departure of offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski—have shifted the narrative, prompting Njoku to move on to another team. The Browns have already addressed some of Njoku’s blocking responsibilities by signing Jack Stoll, a dedicated blocking tight end. However, Stoll is unlikely to replicate Njoku’s impact as a pass-catcher, raising questions about how Monken will structure the offense moving forward. With the new coaching staff emphasizing a two-tight-end scheme, the Browns may prioritize adding a proven receiver to complement Fannin Jr., who is expected to be the primary target in the passing game. Robert Tonyan, currently with the Kansas City Chiefs, emerges as a compelling option for the Browns. Projected to sign a one-year, $1.5 million contract, Tonyan represents a cost-effective solution for a team looking to bolster depth without overpaying. His career highlights include a breakout season in 2020 with the Green Bay Packers, where he led the league in catch rate and recorded 11 touchdowns. However, his recent performance has declined, largely due to limited playing time and reduced usage in the Chiefs’ offense.#cleveland_browns #david_njoku #robert_tonyan #todd_monken #harold_fannin_jr
