Deion Sanders is preparing for a different kind of game plan this offseason—one that involves a sit-down with Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken. The Pro Football Hall of Famer and Colorado Buffaloes head coach has expressed his desire to meet with Monken ahead of the 2026 NFL season, and the reason goes far beyond fatherly advice.
At the heart of this meeting is Shedeur Sanders, the young quarterback who spent his formative years being coached by his father—first in high school, then at Colorado. Deion is quick to clarify that this conversation is about coaching, not parenting. "I want to meet [Monken] because I think it's vital that as a coach—not the dad—I can tell him a few things about [Shedeur], how to get him going," Sanders explained during a recent episode of "The Barbershop." He added, "That wasn't asked of me a year ago."
That last point clearly resonates with the two-sport legend. Sanders expressed genuine surprise that he hasn't been consulted more often about his son or other top players from his Colorado program. "Even a guy like Travis Hunter being drafted to Jacksonville and I've had him for the last three [years], don't you think you would want to talk to me to ask me what gets him going and what backs him off?" he said. "You would want to know that."
The meeting, temporarily postponed due to a commercial shoot, is one Sanders says he "can't wait to have." He holds Monken in high regard, calling him "a straight shooter" who "keeps it a buck." That mutual respect sets the stage for what could be a pivotal conversation for the Browns' quarterback room.
Speaking of which, Cleveland is shaping up to have one of the most intriguing quarterback battles in the league. Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and rookie Taylen Green are all expected to compete for playing time in the 2026 season. It's a wide-open competition, and the elder Sanders is confident it will bring out the best in his son. Shedeur's rookie campaign showed flashes of promise—he went 3-4 as a starter, completed 56.6% of his passes for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in seven starts. Now, with a full offseason and a coach who values his father's insight, the stage is set for a sophomore surge.