With the Cleveland Browns now eyeing a starter for the 2026 season, Shedeur Sanders might have seen some silver lining. But the latest report about the Cleveland starting quarterback competition looks grimmer for Sanders. He might be up against a draft prospect who has not even declared for the draft yet. 

According to insider Jake Trotter, franchise owner Jimmy Haslam is deeply impressed by Arch Manning, the Texas Longhorn quarterback. He is the youngest of the NFL QB royal family, the Mannings, who is believed to be the potential top pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.

Trotter alluded that the Browns are looking for the franchise quarterback in the wrong places. 

“This is what everybody has to realize, or come to the realization at some point soon. The future quarterback of the Cleveland Browns is in college right now. I know that hurts you," wrote the ESPN analyst.

Manning might still be in college, but he is already on the NFL radar. Not because of his last name, but he has proved himself. He threw 26 touchdown passes for 3,163 yards and threw only 7 interceptions.

His 83-yard touchdown connection with Parker Livingstone early against San Jose State ranks 13th in program history. Manning became the fifth Texas quarterback in the last 30 years to rack up four-plus first-half touchdown passes.

No matter how impressed Haslam is with Manning, it is not guaranteed that his team will wind up with the young player. The 2026 draft is weeks away, and reports about teams interested in Manning for the 2027 draft are making the rounds. 

Haslam would have to pry Manning out of the hands of three other franchises fighting for him. Insider Kyle Odegard reported that the Miami Dolphins, the New York Jets, and the Arizona Cardinals already have “tanking” plans for Manning. 

If The Cleveland Browns Want Arch Manning, Shedeur Sanders Would Have to Pay The Price

Cleveland and instability with starters go hand in hand. As of April 2026, the franchise has started 41 different quarterbacks since returning to the NFL in 1999. In that way, the Browns might still not be convinced about Shedeur, or the other options available, Dillon Gabriel and Deshaun Watson.

"In a situation like this, it could mean that the Browns are purposely trying to lose games again next season," NFL analyst Jon Conahan wrote. "The worst possible outcome here would be to win about four or five games and not get the top pick. If the Browns are going to tank, they absolutely have to do it the right way."

That leaves Sanders in a precarious position. Ever since he suited up for Cleveland, Sanders had to prove himself. In a rollercoaster rookie season, he was benched for the first 10 games and ended the year with seven touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and 1,400 yards.

The 24-year-old has spent the offseason bettering himself to become QB1. The Manning chatter stings Sanders even more, who chose the Browns. It is well known that the former Colorado Buffs star asked the Baltimore Ravens not to pick him.

Will the Browns be on the right track if they pass on Shedeur to wait for Manning? Drop in your thoughts.

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar