The Cleveland Browns are up and running at training camp, and the biggest question mark remains: who will emerge as the starting quarterback? According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, all four quarterbacks are expected to get first-team reps early in camp.
“The first week or two of training camp, I expect the Browns to run it similarly to the spring — OTAs and minicamp — all four quarterbacks training blows," Fowler said. "First team, second team and third team. You're going to see all that. And then Kevin Stefanski will crystalize the pecking order,” Fowler said.
Much of the spotlight is on Shedeur Sanders, who surprisingly slid to the fifth round of the draft. CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones believes both Sanders and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel are unlikely to be cut.
“If Dillon Gabriel wins the battle against Shedeur Sanders in the battle of the rookies, I actually don't see Shedeur Sanders going to the practice squad. If Shedeur Sanders beats Dillon Gabriel, I don't see Dillon Gabriel going to the practice squad. And I also don't see the Cleveland Browns keeping four quarterbacks on their 53-man roster..." said Jones. “Well, who goes? The answer to that is whoever is the loser of Joe Flacco versus Kenny Pickett.”
Meanwhile, ESPN Cleveland’s Tony Rizzo brought up a potential future replacement for both Flacco and Sanders. With Flacco on a one-year deal and Sanders’ spot far from guaranteed, team owner Jimmy Haslam may already have his sights set on a high-profile name for next season.
“I know he would not admit it, and I know it’s nothing that they want to talk about, but I’m telling you the thirst that Jimmy Haslam has for Arch Manning is unmatched. Unmatched," Rizzo said on ESPN Cleveland. "You know the connection. The Haslams donated a ton of money to Tennessee. They have a good relationship with the Manning family. I don’t think it’s a coincidence they acquired a second first-round pick. ... It was described to me by a billionaire that said, ‘In a perfect world, that guy would be in Cleveland next year, and they would do anything to get him.'"
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Landing Manning would be a massive move, not only because of his iconic last name but also due to his immense potential. While Sanders has been a great presence in the community, he still has some development to do on the field. If the Browns pursue Manning in the 2026 draft, it will certainly make for an intriguing quarterback shake-up in Cleveland.