The Cleveland Browns have been linked to college quarterback Arch Manning for a couple of years now. Considered to be a favorite of Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, he has seemed to be the organization’s preferred franchise QB of the future.
But a lot has changed since Manning was the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. First, he did not even enter that draft, and there is speculation that he will return to play in college again and forgo the 2027 draft as well.
Meanwhile, the Browns’ surprising start to the 2026 season seemed to push them out of the running for a pick high enough to select Manning, were he to be available. Yet, circumstances may align to have him land with Cleveland after all.
Insider Tony Grossi recently explained why Manning is still in play for the Browns, as his stock may have fallen enough for Cleveland to have an opportunity to draft him.
“I don’t think we should dismiss Arch Manning. Originally, I thought the Jets would not pass him by. But they’re going to be in position to choose CJ Carr. I’m not saying I’d give up the farm for him, but if he fell to them, I would take him,” Grossi said.
"I don't think we should dismiss Arch Manning," – @TonyGrossi thinks that Arch Manning is still VERY much in play for the Browns in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/Hku1fkZK8o
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) November 13, 2026
With the New York Jets almost certain to take a quarterback in the first round, Drew Mestemaker of Oklahoma State or Carr of Notre Dame could be their top targets. Then, with Manning rated behind other prospects, the Browns may not even need a top 15 pick to select him.
Right now, the Browns would have the No. 16 overall pick, plus the No. 18 pick acquired from the Los Angeles Rams in the Myles Garrett trade. Cleveland could stand pat and hope Manning falls to them, or it could package those picks in an attempt to move up in the first round.
Of course, this all depends on Manning actually declaring for the draft after putting it off once already. Longtime ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. recently listed Manning as the No. 22 overall prospect in this year’s class, but not among the top five QBs, a group led by Mestemaker and Carr and including Darian Mensah of Miami, Trinidad Chambliss of Ole Miss and Austin Simmons of Missouri.
So, a potential connection between Manning and the Browns may have more to do with the QB market than what he or the team might want.
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