Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has clarified that the team is not pursuing Texas quarterback Arch Manning for the 2026 NFL Draft, dismissing rumors that the Browns are already in negotiations for the young prospect. During a press conference on Tuesday, Haslam emphasized that the focus of the Browns is on the 2025 season, rather than potential draft picks for the future. The owner’s comments came in response to speculation that the Browns, who have struggled with quarterback performance in recent years, may be targeting Manning due to his potential as a top NFL prospect.
Haslam’s remarks were met with mixed reactions, as some fans and analysts argued that the Browns’ need for a quarterback has made Manning an attractive target for the franchise. However, Haslam expressed confidence in the team’s current quarterback depth and stated that the Browns are not in a hurry to pursue Manning. “I think if you know the Manning family, I would bet — and I don’t know Arch at all — I bet he stays in college two years,” Haslam told reporters during the press conference.
Meanwhile, Manning, who will take over as the starting quarterback for Texas this season, has made his commitment to the Longhorns clear. During SEC Media Days, Manning admitted to the challenges of being a backup at a top-tier program but emphasized that he never considered transferring. “(Transferring) never really crossed my mind,” he said. “I knew Texas was the place I wanted to be. It was the city I wanted to be in, a great education. I had friends there. I was still developing and growing as a football player and a person. So, I never really wanted to leave. If there was somewhere else I wanted to be, I would have gone.”
With the Longhorns set to open their season against the defending national champion Ohio State team on August 30, the spotlight is on both teams as they prepare for the upcoming season. Fans and analysts expect Manning to take on a starring role in the 2025 college football season, and while the Browns’ interest in him remains a topic of speculation, Haslam’s comments suggest that the team is not moving forward with any formal plans to pursue him in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Haslam’s stance on the issue highlights the broader trend among NFL teams of prioritizing immediate performance over long-term draft planning. Despite the ongoing speculation, the Browns have not made any official moves in regard to Manning, indicating that the team is content with their current quarterback situation and is more focused on the 2025 season. For now, the focus remains on the present, with the Browns and the Longhorns both preparing for a season that could shape the future of their respective programs.