Ken and Lima tackled a spicy theory — that Todd Monken's age and the reality that this is likely his only shot at being an NFL head coach makes him far more inclined to start Deshaun Watson over Shedeur Sanders, regardless of what the schedule release video signaled. The argument is straightforward: a 60-year-old coach with nothing to lose and everything to prove isn't going to hand the keys to a fifth-round rookie when a physically healthy 30-year-old veteran is sitting in the same room. The counter is just as compelling — a younger head coach with a longer runway would have every incentive to build around Shedeur and absorb the losses, but Monken simply doesn't have that luxury, and that reality may be quietly shaping the entire quarterback decision before training camp even opens.
Is Todd Monken's Age the Reason Shedeur Won't Get a Fair Shot?

Head coach Todd Monken of the Cleveland Browns looks on during a voluntary veteran minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on April 21, 2026 in Berea, Ohio.
Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images
The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima
The only place to talk about the Cleveland sports scene weekday mornings is with Ken Carman and Anthony Lima from 6-10a! The show guides you through…




