Arch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns is already the object of the Cleveland Browns' draft desire.
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Arch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns is already the object of the Cleveland Browns' draft desire.
On Tuesday in Austin, the Cleveland Browns were on hand to watch University of Texas prospects ply their wares ahead of next month’s NFL draft. Star Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning was there, too, only he’s not putting his name in for consideration here in 2026–though he is expected to be one of the top picks 13 months from now.
And that’s when the Browns figure to be ready to strike. The Browns have so far kept their powder dry on the quarterback front this offseason, declining to seriously pursue any top free-agent options. Whether the team did not pursue players like Malik Willis or Kyler Murray because they were told by the players’ reps not to bother, or whether the Browns genuinely had no interest almost does not matter–they’re coming to the end of March with a Deshaun Watson vs. Shedeur Sanders QB1 situation.
They appear bent on finding out if either of those two guys can operate as even a league-average quarterback if given an upgrade on the offensive line and additional playmakers. If not, speculation in Cleveland holds that the all-out Manning push could be on.
Browns Proposed NFL Change Done With Arch Manning in Mind?
Of course, it won’t be easy. With their dominant defense, the Browns could make themselves good enough to win seven or eight games–even last year, they were some special-teams mistakes away from seven wins. That probably puts them out of the Manning business, unless they put together a massive package of draft assets for him.
When GM Andrew Berry and the Browns proposed an NFL rule change to allow for teams to trade draft picks five years out (rather than three), half of the speculation suggested Berry was hoping for a five-pick package in a Myles Garrett trade. The other half was projecting a Browns five-pick offer for Manning.
Browns Eyeing Jets in 2027 Draft
On ESPN Cleveland on Tuesday, the issue of Manning and the Browns was raised, and veteran host Tony Rizzo put himself firmly in the five-picks-for-Manning camp. He points out that the Jets are better positioned for a Manning package, having collected three first-round picks next year.
“They’re trying to trade picks five years from now to get him,” Rizzo said. “Because they know the Jets are loaded.”
Of course, there is a lot to be determined. Maybe the Jets (ahem) will surprise everyone and be better than expected. Maybe the Browns will tank. Maybe Sanders will be a star and lead the Browns to the playoffs. Maybe Manning will again be underwhelming for Texas in 2026. Much can change still.
Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam.
GettyCleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam.
Will Arch Manning Pull an Eli?
ESPN Cleveland colleague Tony Grossi notes what folks around the league and close observers of the Browns have long known–team owner Jimmy Haslam has the hots for Manning, and foundation for that is his relationship with Peyton Manning, Arch Manning’s uncle. Peyton Manning is a University of Tennessee legend, and Haslam is so ingrained at Tennessee that the school of business is named after him.
In his mailbag, Grossi was asked whether Arch Manning would refuse to play for the Browns, as his other uncle–Eli Manning–did when the Chargers had the No. 1 pick 22 years ago.
Wrote Grossi: “Despite the Browns’ problems in building a winner, I think the Haslam family has a good relationship with the Manning family that dates to Peyton’s time at University of Tennessee. I don’t see Arch Manning and his father, Cooper, pulling an Eli. That depends, of course, on the Browns even being in position to draft Arch, which is impossible to predict.”