The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback room could be in for a dramatic shake-up, as reports suggest the franchise is preparing to part ways with rookie quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. The move, while shocking to some, signals a possible strategic shift in Cleveland’s long-term vision — one that may involve pursuing a “generational” quarterback talent in the near future, most notably Arch Manning.
A Crowded Quarterback Situation
Coming into the 2025 offseason, the Browns had assembled one of the league’s most crowded quarterback groups. With five quarterbacks on the roster, including veterans and rookies alike, questions quickly surfaced about how sustainable or sensible such a setup would be heading into the season.
Here’s the current QB breakdown:
Joe Flacco – veteran leader expected to start Week 1.
Kenny Pickett – former first-round pick brought in as a backup with potential.
Dillon Gabriel – dynamic third-round draft pick from Oregon.
Shedeur Sanders – charismatic fifth-round pick out of Colorado.
Deshaun Watson – still on the roster, though his future remains uncertain due to injuries.
While competition typically brings out the best in players, NFL teams rarely carry more than three quarterbacks on their active rosters. As training camp nears, tough decisions must be made — and Sanders and Gabriel, despite their college success, appear to be the most vulnerable.
Why Cut Rookie QBs?
At first glance, it might seem premature to release two young quarterbacks before they’ve had a full NFL season to develop. However, several factors play into the Browns’ rationale.
1. Draft Position & Contract Security
Both Sanders and Gabriel were selected outside of the first round, meaning the team has minimal financial and contractual obligations to them. Cutting them would not result in significant cap penalties or dead money, unlike dropping a highly-paid veteran.
2. Performance vs. Expectations
Though both rookies brought impressive résumés from college, neither has managed to clearly separate themselves during minicamp or OTAs. Gabriel, despite nearly 19,000 career passing yards, has struggled with consistency. Sanders, a media sensation with strong leadership qualities, hasn’t yet demonstrated enough command of an NFL offense to change the team’s outlook.
3. Tactical Realignment
The Browns are rumored to be recalibrating their long-term quarterback strategy. Rather than building around developmental mid-round picks, Cleveland may be preparing to clear space for a more polished, high-ceiling quarterback — and they appear to have one particular name in mind.
Enter Arch Manning: The Generational Talent
The prospect generating all the buzz is none other than Arch Manning. The Texas Longhorns quarterback and nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning is already drawing comparisons to Hall of Famers before even entering the NFL.
Manning is widely projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Scouts describe him as a “transformative franchise quarterback” with elite pocket awareness, refined mechanics, high football IQ, and leadership qualities beyond his years.
Should the Browns have another losing season — or trade up in the draft — they could find themselves in position to select Manning. This possibility might be prompting the franchise to clean house at the quarterback position and prepare the organization for a new era under center.
Pressure from the Top
Ownership and front office figures in Cleveland are reportedly impatient. After a disappointing 3–14 campaign in 2024, Browns ownership, led by Jimmy Haslam, is pushing for immediate improvement paired with a long-term solution. General Manager Andrew Berry has made it clear that while competition is encouraged, the team won’t hesitate to make bold changes to ensure progress.
Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel may simply be casualties of this new vision — talented but not the elite level Cleveland desires.
Can Sanders or Gabriel Redeem Themselves?
While the outlook appears bleak for both rookie quarterbacks, nothing is set in stone. Training camp and preseason games offer opportunities to prove their worth. If either Sanders or Gabriel can perform at a high level, the Browns might reconsider their exit plans.
Dillon Gabriel dazzled in college with explosive arm strength and mobility. If he can adapt to NFL speed and improve decision-making, he could force his way into the backup conversation.
Shedeur Sanders, with his magnetic personality and solid fundamentals, still holds promise as a developmental prospect. However, the NFL moves fast — and so must he if he wants to remain in Cleveland.
Still, the Browns may prioritize roster flexibility, choosing to part ways early rather than investing time and reps into players they don’t see as future starters.
Strategic Implications for Cleveland
Should the Browns decide to move on from Sanders and Gabriel, the team could benefit in multiple ways:
1. Roster Space – Cutting two QBs allows more depth at positions of need, such as wide receiver or offensive line.
2. Cap Efficiency – With both rookies on low guarantees, the move has minimal financial impact.
3. Draft Readiness – Shedding lesser quarterback investments clears the path for a full-court press on a top pick like Manning.
4. Signal of Seriousness – The Browns can demonstrate they are no longer satisfied with half-measures at the most important position on the field.
Timeline to Watch
Key Date Event
Late July Training camp begins; the quarterback battle will be front and center.
August Preseason games allow the rookies to show their potential in live action.
January 2026 Final draft order determined — and speculation about Cleveland’s No. 1 pick begins.
If Sanders or Gabriel fails to shine during the preseason, don’t be surprised if either is released before Week 1.
Fan Reaction and Outlook
Browns fans have been through a revolving door of quarterbacks over the past two decades. The hope of finding a true franchise QB has remained elusive — from Brady Quinn to Johnny Manziel to Baker Mayfield to Deshaun Watson. Many fans are intrigued by the idea of building around a quarterback like Arch Manning, whose family pedigree and raw ability could finally stabilize the position in Cleveland.
For now, though, the team must navigate the present. With strong leadership, smart decisions, and a clear direction, the Browns have the chance to make a defining move for the franchise’s future.
