The Cleveland Browns may have just added two rookie quarterbacks to their roster in the 2025 NFL Draft, but they could be gearing up for an even bigger move next year.
Less than a week after selecting Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round, a new mock draft already has the Browns linked to Arch Manning-arguably the most high-profile quarterback prospect in the 2026 class.
According to Pro Football Focus analysts Max Chadwick and Dalton Wasserman, Cleveland is projected to take Manning with the No. 2 overall pick in their early 2026 mock draft.
It’s a bold prediction that would inject another layer of uncertainty into a quarterback room that’s already overflowing with talent-and tension.
Manning to Cleveland? Early buzz builds pressure
“Texas’ new star quarterback will have high expectations heading into 2025, but he played well in limited action last season,” Chadwick and Wasserman wrote.
“Across 233 snaps, including two starts, Manning posted an 88.0 PFF overall grade with six big-time throws and two turnover-worthy plays. He also generated four explosive runs on just 21 carries.”
Arch Manning, the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, is expected to take over full-time under center for Steve Sarkisian’s Texas squad this fall. If he lives up to his potential and declares for the 2026 NFL Draft, he could be one of the first players off the board.
And given the Browns‘ current quarterback setup, it’s not hard to see why experts believe they’ll still be in the market for a franchise signal-caller.
Right now, Cleveland’s quarterback group includes veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, 2025 third-rounder Dillon Gabriel, and Sanders.
All four will be battling for a role-especially if starter Deshaun Watson, recovering from a torn Achilles, is unable to return at full strength.
While Sanders brings big-name recognition and was once projected as a top-tier prospect, doubts about his pro readiness saw him slide to Day 3 of the draft.
That hasn’t stopped fans and media from hyping his potential, but it’s clear he’ll have to prove himself quickly in a crowded and volatile QB room.
If Manning becomes available next spring-and if Cleveland once again holds a top-five pick-Sanders could find himself right back in the shadow of a newer, shinier prospect.
For now, Shedeur‘s path in the NFL depends on seizing his opportunity in 2025. But if Manning delivers at Texas and the Browns struggle again, the clock might already be ticking on Sanders‘ shot at starting in Cleveland.
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