Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has long been linked to the Manning family through his University of Tennessee ties, and that connection is again drawing league attention as the franchise sits at 0-1.
A veteran NFL personnel executive who knows the Browns organization told reporter Jason La Canfora that Haslam’s longer-term plan centers on Texas quarterback Arch Manning.
“Haslam wants (Texas QB) Arch Manning, that’s what this is really all about,” the executive said. “I’m not sure he’s coming out (entering the draft). I know Jimmy, and I know how Jimmy thinks. He’s a huge booster for (University of) Tennessee. He has always had a hard-on for Peyton (Manning, uncle of the QB prospect). He wants Arch Manning playing in that new stadium.”
The Browns opened the 2026 season with a 34-10 loss at Jacksonville. The team finished 5-12 last year and 3-14 the year before, totaling eight wins across two seasons. Haslam has owned the club since 2012 and holds a 78-151-1 regular-season record.
Cleveland already holds two first-round selections in the 2027 draft after trading two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett in June. Those picks, plus additional later-round selections, give the front office extra capital if it targets a quarterback.
Manning completed 248 of 404 passes for 3,163 yards, 26 touchdowns and seven interceptions as Texas’ starter in 2025. Through two games this season he is 43 of 64 for 500 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions. He helped Texas rally past then-No. 1 Ohio State 24-23 on Sept. 12.
Haslam broke ground in April on a $2.6 billion enclosed stadium in Brook Park, Ohio, scheduled to open for the 2029 season. Capacity is projected at 67,500. The Haslam Sports Group is covering the bulk of the cost.
La Canfora reported that Haslam wanted Deshaun Watson named the Week 1 starter and may soon push for a change to second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders. One NFL general manager told La Canfora of Watson: “He doesn’t want to be there. He never wanted to be there.”
Browns coach Todd Monken and general manager Andrew Berry have said lineup decisions rest with the coach. Berry texted Cleveland.com columnist Terry Pluto: “Lineup decisions have always been under the head coach’s control. That is not different for Todd. We always discuss a range of things pertaining to the players on our roster or players we might potentially acquire.”
Berry added: “Part of the head coach/GM relationship is to serve as a sounding board or counsel to one another. In terms of which players are on the field and how they are deployed, we have great faith in Todd to have the final call on those sorts of things as he brings our vision to life.”
Haslam said in July the Browns were not planning to tank 2026. Oddsmakers set the team’s win total at 5.5 games.
Haslam said he would take the over and still hoped to contend for the playoffs as early as 2027.
The franchise has started more than 30 different quarterbacks since Haslam bought the team. Watson arrived in 2022 in a trade that cost three first-round picks and a fully guaranteed $230 million contract. He has missed large stretches with injuries.
Cleveland’s next game is Sunday at Tampa Bay. A third consecutive losing season would likely leave the Browns with a high 2027 draft slot in a quarterback class that scouts already list Manning among the top names.
Whether Manning declares after this college season remains uncertain. The personnel executive who spoke to La Canfora noted that possibility while tying Haslam’s interest to both family history and the new stadium timeline.
The Browns have not commented publicly on any specific 2027 draft target.
