Bold ESPN Prediction Has Browns Tanking For Arch

The Cleveland Browns have one of the most complicated quarterback situations in the league. Deshaun Watson's Achilles injury situation forced them to consider their options for the upcoming season and it's easy to say they left no stone unturned. 

When the draft rolled around, Cleveland doubled the size of their quarterback room with the selections of Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. The Browns had already signed Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett earlier in the offseason. 

That leaves a convoluted mix for the coaching staff to evaluate and work through in the coming months. 

Flacco and Pickett are likely set for a short tenure in Cleveland anyway, but what if the Browns are not satisfied with the younger additions from the offseason. 

ESPN's Ben Solak believes another quarterback addition could be coming down the pipe if the Browns get off to another slow start and do not like what they see from the rookies. Solak predicted not only an 0-5 start, but a following campaign to land Arch Manning in the 2026 NFL Draft. 

"The first, collective swell of a fan base wanting to tank for the Arch Manning pick will come Oct. 5, when the Browns start 0-5. (Their early-season schedule is brutal.) Manning will have just beaten the Florida Gators on Oct. 4 in a dazzling four-touchdown performance. The rallying cry will be 'The March to Arch,' or possibly 'Planning for Manning.'"

That prediction has a few layers to unpack. Firstly, that opening stretch of five games is admittedly challenging with four playoff teams to follow after a Week 1 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. 

But lets turn the focus to Manning, the anticipated crown jewel of the 2026 class. Manning will get his first full season under center at Texas this season after appearing for a short time last season. 

He has another year of eligibility after 2025, so there is no guarantee he declares immediately, especially if the season does not go according to plan. With that in mind it would be foolish for a sudden sprint to a prospect midway through both the NFL and college seasons. 

The easiest solution would be one of Sanders or Gabriel developing into a long-term starter. However, both prospects have plenty to show in order to earn that trust. 

Flacco and Pickett may just be one-year rentals and Watson may be better suited playing out his final years with another team after this season. From that perspective, the Browns could find themselves in a similar spot next season needing a quarterback. 

But there is no guarantee in that being Manning or the next savior under center. All the Browns should be focused on this offseason is finding which quarterback makes them the most competitive and finding a development plan for one if not both of their rookies.