Browns Predicted to Replace Shedeur Sanders With Quarterback in Family of NFL Greats

It’ll be a big year for many of the top college players in the country, but mainly, Arch Manning is the one to watch out for. For the Cleveland Browns, there’s reason to believe he could be their future quarterback if things go the way that many expect. The Browns are expected to be one of the more below-average teams in the NFL once again, possibly putting themselves in a position to get the first overall pick. 

The Browns recently selected Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel in the first five rounds, making this a rough situation to evaluate. 

However, if the Browns could land Manning and he were willing to play in Cleveland, and not return to college, despite speculation that he might return to Texas after this upcoming year, he’d be a great fit. 

Pro Football Network also believes the same, predicting that Manning would land with the Browns in the 2026 NFL draft to replace Sanders and Gabriel as the long-term option. 

“There will be debate over whether Arch Manning will enter the 2026 NFL Draft right up until the deadline next January. While all signs and priors point towards the Texas Longhorns’ quarterback returning, there is a possibility that he will declare, especially if he is likely to be the No. 1 overall selection.

“This may only be Manning’s first year as a starter, but the hype is real. There is enough tape to hint that the five-star recruit has all the intangibles and dynamic play to potentially be the top quarterback in next year’s class. The 6’4”, 212-pound quarterback is a more high-powered passer than his uncles, adding a potent rushing threat they didn’t have,” they wrote.

Is Manning Ready for a Jump to the NFL?

Questions surrounding Manning’s decision heading into the 2026 NFL draft are real. He hasn’t been a full-time starter yet for the University of Texas.

That’s a somewhat concerning sign, considering Quinn Ewers wasn’t exactly the best player in the country, but he was older, and the Longhorns went with the veteran option. 

Manning played in a few games, completing 61 of his 90 pass attempts for 939 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions. He also proved to have something on the ground, rushing for 108 yards on 25 carries for four touchdowns.

When discussing his future decision of entering the NFL draft or returning to college for another season, he noted that he hasn’t made a decision yet and is focused on getting through day by day and proceeding from there.

“I’m really just worried about getting through this interview and then getting through the run tomorrow,” Manning said, per Pro Football Talk. “I’m just focused on this year and getting better each day.”

Does Manning’s Pedigree Automatically Make Him the 1st Overall Pick?

For the Cleveland Browns and other teams around the NFL, there’s reason to believe that even if Manning has a somewhat down season, he could still be the first pick next year if he decides to go the draft route. 

However, even the New Orleans native understands that he has to prove something during the season. He said that his teammates respect him and that he’s trying to show everybody why he deserves to be the starter after sitting on the bench for his first two college seasons. 

“I think you’ve got to walk the walk first,” Manning said, per On3. “I think as much as it wasn’t always fun sitting those two years, I think I got a lot of respect from my teammates. Now coming out of it, it’s from a place of love.”

At the very least, Manning would give the Browns a massive name who has proven he has loads of potential moving forward.

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