Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has his eyes fixed on the long-term future of the team’s quarterback position, and that comes as bad news for Shedeur Sanders. According to a veteran NFL personnel executive, that future centers on Texas quarterback Arch Manning.
The revelation, reported by veteran NFL insider Jason La Canfora, paints a picture of the Browns looking at drafting Manning in the 2027 NFL draft. This delivers sobering context on the front office’s long-term plan not only for Sanders, but for the rest of the Browns quarterback room.
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“Haslam wants (Texas QB) Arch Manning, that’s what this is really all about,” the longtime NFL personnel executive, who is very familiar with the Browns, told LaCanfora.
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The Browns are advancing plans for a new domed stadium in Brook Park, Ohio, with an estimated cost around $2.4 billion. Haslam Sports Group is said to be covering the majority of the private investment, with opening planned for 2029. The plan is, therefore, to have Arch Manning under center when the lights come on in the new venue as opposed to Shedeur Sanders.
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LaCanfora expects Shedeur Sanders to start in Week 3
After an unimpressive performance in the season-opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, there’s already a lot of pressure on starting quarterback Deshaun Watson. Jason LaCanfora projects him to be out of the role in Week 3, with Shedeur Sanders taking over.
“The Dog Pound is contemplating what is to come, Haslam will recognize the optics of the situation and we strongly suspect it will be time for youngster Shedeur Sanders to take over,” LaCanfora wrote.
“More than anything else, Watson is committed to this bit, playing the role of game-killing heel. He seemed intent on trying to throw an early interception against the Jaguars, he never really looked fired up to be playing, he embodied the idea that he is just there for the paycheck and it shows in pretty much everything he does on the football field.”
Shedeur Sanders taking over the starting job doesn’t, however, stop the franchise’s reported plan for Arch Manning. That will only change if the second-year quarterback impresses beyond expectations with his opportunities. Sanders started the last seven games of the 2025 season, and the franchise didn’t see enough to trust him fully.
Edited by Farouk Yusuf