Sports Al Dente

The Cleveland Browns invested in their future at quarterback during the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting Dillon Gabriel in the third round and Shedeur Sanders in the fifth. Both players have shown promise in their college careers, and the Browns hope that one of them can develop into a long-term solution under center.

However, neither comes with a clear path to a starting role, given the current depth and competition in Cleveland’s quarterback room.

While Gabriel and Sanders bring talent and upside, the likelihood of either emerging as the franchise quarterback is slim in the near term. The Browns’ crowded depth chart and uncertain quarterback situation suggest that these draft picks may not be the final answer. Their development may take time, and with the team looking for more immediate stability, Cleveland is expected to remain active in the quarterback market.

Arch Manning Emerging as Browns’ Ideal 2026 Pick in Latest Draft Projection

Pro Football Network’s Brentley Weissman forecasts that the Browns could be in a position to select first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. His projection has Cleveland landing Texas quarterback Arch Manning, who is widely viewed as a potential generational talent. Despite limited collegiate experience, Manning is gaining traction as a future No. 1 pick due to his strong physical traits, football IQ, and family pedigree.

Manning is slated to start for Texas in 2025 after backing up Quinn Ewers for two seasons. His brief appearances have already impressed scouts, and he is expected to thrive with more playing time. For a team like the Browns, who need a dynamic quarterback capable of excelling both inside and outside the pocket, Manning could be the perfect fit. If available, he would represent a high-profile and potentially transformative addition in 2026.

For the first time in months, there is a renewed sense of optimism between Trey Hendrickson and the Cincinnati Bengals. After a prolonged period of tension, the two parties have resumed discussions about Hendrickson’s contract and his future with the team. The All-Pro defensive end, who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2024, remains firm in his pursuit of a long-term extension, signaling that meaningful negotiations are finally underway.

Hendrickson’s Holdout Highlights Frustration Over Pay Gap and Lack of Communication

Hendrickson’s absence from all offseason activities, including mandatory minicamp, underscored the severity of the contract stalemate. His decision not to attend the three-day minicamp resulted in fines totaling nearly $105,000.

The only time he addressed the public was in a news conference where he openly criticized the Bengals’ lack of communication. He emphasized that this silence led to frustration and uncertainty, calling it detrimental to both parties involved.

Set to enter the final year of his current deal, Hendrickson is seeking a contract that reflects his elite production among the NFL’s premier pass rushers. He has accumulated 43 sacks over the past three seasons, trailing only Myles Garrett, who recently signed a $40 million-per-year extension.

In contrast, Hendrickson is scheduled to make $16 million in 2025, a figure he has expressed dissatisfaction with, suggesting he may not play under those terms.

Team Leaders Speak on Hendrickson’s Absence Amid Growing Contract Issues in Cincinnati

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor acknowledged Hendrickson’s value to the team but chose not to dwell on his absence, emphasizing that their focus remains on the players who are actively participating.

Quarterback Joe Burrow also addressed the situation, admitting that Hendrickson’s holdout has been a distraction but noting that contract disputes are a common part of life in the NFL. Burrow reiterated the team’s support for Hendrickson and expressed hope that he will rejoin the squad before training camp begins in late July.

Hendrickson’s situation is not the only contractual hurdle facing the Bengals. Rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart has also yet to sign his rookie contract due to disagreements over specific contract terms.

Like Hendrickson, Stewart has not participated in any team activities, adding another layer of complexity to the Bengals’ offseason preparations. Both disputes highlight the ongoing challenge Cincinnati faces in maintaining roster stability while managing salary demands.