Browns predicted to ditch Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel for quarterback Jimmy Haslam loves

The Cleveland Browns have a long history of failing to bring in a franchise quarterback, so optimism isn't high for Shedeur Sanders or Dillon Gabriel.

Sanders and Gabriel are expected to start the season on the bench, with Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett the favorites to start thanks to their experience.

But the Browns are going to get a look at one or both of their rookies at some point this year in order to find out if either one has what it takes to be the future at the position.

If neither one can prove they belong, Pro Football & Sports Network's Owain Jones believes the team will opt to take Texas quarterback Arch Manning with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

"This may only be Manning’s first year as a starter, but the hype is real," he wrote. "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," Jones added.

Recently, ESPN Cleveland's Tony Rizzo revealed that the Browns' owner, Jimmy Haslam, is very much in love with Manning, so it's conceivable Cleveland could ditch both young quarterbacks no matter what if Manning is available.

"I know it's nothing that they want to talk about, but the thirst that Jimmy Haslem has for Arch Manning is unmatched," Rizzo said. "Haslem has donated a ton of money to Tennessee; they have a relationship with the Manning family. I don't think it's a coincidence that they acquired a second-round pick next year."

That said, there are a lot of unknowns with Manning, the first of which is he doesn't have a college season as a starter yet. Manning will get his first opportunity in 2025 after showing some flashes in 2024 while sitting behind Quinn Ewers.

That also leaves us wondering if Manning will even come out of college next year. It's hard to imagine the Texas quarterback leaving after just one season as a starter, no matter how good he performs.

Knowing all that, the chances of the Browns having a Manning under center in 2026 are slim.