All articles tagged with #todd monken
Browns owner Jimmy Haslam says Deshaun Watson will get a fresh start under new coach Todd Monken, with Watson’s job potentially up for grabs in 2026 after missing the 2025 season with injuries; in-house contenders Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel remain, and outside moves could come into play as Cleveland maps its QB plan.
The Cleveland Browns finally added a wide receiver in free agency, signing Tylan Wallace away from the Baltimore Ravens to pair with new coach Todd Monken, who previously worked with Wallace in Baltimore. Wallace, a 2021 fourth‑round pick, has modest career numbers (22 receptions, 305 yards, 2 TD overall; a 2024 high of 11 receptions for 193 yards) but contributes on special teams, and this marks the first Monken‑connected Ravens player to join Cleveland this offseason. The deal comes as Cleveland boosts cap space and also signs DE Julian Okwara, DE AJ Epenesa, and S Daniel Thomas as part of a broader free‑agent haul.
Running back Quinshon Judkins praised Browns coach Todd Monken, saying he’s a genuine, player-friendly leader with a clear vision and strong communication that has him buying into the Monken era.
The Browns' new head coach Todd Monken is winning over players with a hands-on, direct leadership style that differs from Kevin Stefanski's even-keeled approach. Quinshon Judkins said Monken greeted him warmly and outlined his vision in a personable, proactive way, signaling a potentially productive dynamic as Cleveland builds its roster and looks to translate leadership into on-field success.
The Browns opened their 2026 offseason by trading for Texans left tackle Tytus Howard, a move many welcomed, and shedding a fifth‑round pick they previously acquired in the Kenny Pickett deal. Cleveland’s 2026 draft now sits at nine picks with the first three rounds locked in and later selections subject to compensatory adjustments. The current Browns picks are: Round 1 No. 6; Round 1 No. 24 (from Jacksonville); Round 2 No. 39; Round 3 No. 70; Round 4 No. 107; Round 5 No. 145; Round 5 No. 148 (from Cincinnati); Round 6 No. 205 (from Chicago); Round 7 No. 248 (from Seattle). The team could trade more picks to bolster the offensive line or add a veteran receiver as head coach Todd Monken continues to assemble his staff.
With Todd Monken taking over, Cleveland plans a system built around limited current talent and a likely TE-heavy approach for 2026, potentially reuniting Monken with Georgia product Oscar Delp while adding other TEs like Harold Fannin Jr., Blake Whiteheart, and Brenden Bates after David Njoku’s departure.
Todd Monken said Shedeur Sanders has elite playmaking ability, signaling he could start for the Browns in 2026 after Sanders finished last year as the starter and posted 1,400 passing yards with seven touchdowns and ten interceptions in eight games (seven starts). With Deshaun Watson and Dillon Gabriel under contract, Cleveland views the QB position as open and will explore adding another quarterback, aiming to settle the starter by training camp.
The Cleveland Browns have named their three coordinators under head coach Todd Monken for the 2026 season: Travis Switzer as offensive coordinator, Mike Rutenberg as defensive coordinator, and Byron Storer as special teams coordinator. Monken stressed a players-first philosophy and highlighted Switzer’s Ravens run-game success, Rutenberg’s NFL coordinating and coaching background, and Storer’s Packers special-teams credentials as the foundation for building the 2026 unit.
The Cleveland Browns plan to hire Falcons defensive passing game coordinator Mike Rutenberg as their new defensive coordinator after Jim Schwartz's resignation, with Rutenberg joining head coach Todd Monken and potentially continuing Schwartz's scheme with some philosophical changes.
The Cleveland Browns are nearing a deal to hire Falcons pass game coordinator Mike Rutenberg as their defensive coordinator under new head coach Todd Monken, marking his first DC role. Rutenberg has NFL coaching experience with the Jets, 49ers, Jaguars and Washington. Monken plans to maintain an attack-style defense and is expected to keep most of Jim Schwartz’s staff, as the Browns aim to sustain a top-ranked defense.
Jim Schwartz resigned as the Cleveland Browns' defensive coordinator after three seasons, opening a 2026 DC vacancy as head coach Todd Monken takes over. Schwartz, reportedly unhappy about being passed over for the head coaching job and still under contract, is not a free agent, and Cleveland will begin a search for a replacement. The team may consider internal candidates or assistants linked to Matt Burke while aiming to preserve the current defensive system.
After introducing new head coach Todd Monken, the Browns offered little public clarity on the future of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who is under contract through 2026 and reportedly wants out after not landing the top job. Monken said Schwartz is outstanding but declined to comment on his status and emphasized plans to keep the current defensive system, leaving Schwartz’s fate to be decided later and potentially shaped by financial considerations and team dynamics.
Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said Todd Monken was leading the team's coaching search the entire time, noting a roughly 20-day process with about nine interviews during which candidates sometimes dropped out before Monken was hired to coach Cleveland in 2026 and beyond.
New Browns coach Todd Monken refused to comment on Jim Schwartz's status, praising Schwartz as an outstanding DC while indicating no changes to the team's defensive scheme and stressing a focus on the players.
Cornerback Denzel Ward says he hopes Jim Schwartz stays with the Browns as the team weighs its coaching future after hiring Todd Monken. Schwartz has two years left on his contract and has public support from Myles Garrett and Grant Delpit, despite ongoing uncertainty. The Browns finished 4th in total defense and 14th in points under Schwartz."