What Browns star Denzel Ward didn't say about Shedeur Sanders after Todd Monken comments

New Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken declining to name Shedeur Sanders the team's starting quarterback during Monken's introductory news conference predictably generated headlines and discussions throughout Super Bowl week.

During a Thursday appearance on the FanDuel TV "Up & Adams" program, Cleveland star cornerback and 2025 Pro Bowl selection Denzel Ward had an opportunity to campaign for Sanders to begin springtime workouts as the Browns' starter. What Ward didn't say likely won't sit well with fans who want Sanders to be more than just somebody on the depth chart later this year. 

Denzel Ward to Shedeur Sanders, other Browns QBs: "May the best guy win"

"That’s not my decision to make," Ward explained, per Heavy's J.R. DeGroote. "We got guys still on the roster who are going to provide good competition at that position. Looking forward to seeing that happen. May the best guy win. We got a lot of talented guys in that room who can compete. But he’s in a good spot to get that starting spot if he wants to go get it."

Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith is among the NFL personalities who believe it's unlikely that 2025 third-round draft pick Dillon Gabriel will leapfrog Sanders on the depth chart at any point in 2026. Veteran Deshaun Watson is also on Cleveland's roster, but he hasn't taken an in-game snap since he suffered a torn Achilles tendon in October 2024. 

Many expect the Browns will look to add competition for the QB1 gig via a trade, free agency and/or the upcoming NFL Draft. Thus, it's understandable that Ward isn't ready to declare his preferred choice for the role this early into Monken's tenure. 

Does Denzel Ward think Shedeur Sanders can be a long-term answer for Browns? 

"Shedeur has all the confidence in the world," Ward added during the interview. "You love that in a quarterback, but I love it too, because that means he’s going to give me opportunities. I’ve definitely picked him off a few times in practice. You have to love his confidence, but he throws a great ball with great accuracy. He’s going to be a good player in this league."

How much of a chance Monken will give Sanders to become a "good player" for the Browns shall be seen.