Arch Manning linked to secret NFL team after reports tying him to Browns with Nick Saban

Colin Cowherd laid out an interesting theory on Wednesday, linking both Arch Manning and Nick Saban to the Cleveland Browns. Between the Manning Family, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, and Saban’s agent Jimmy Sexton, Cowherd believes everything could come together.

Todd McShay added a little more fuel to the fire, adding another team to watch for Manning when it comes to the 2026 NFL Draft. In the tweet McShay sent out, he did not list exactly who but left some clues to make the answer right there for the taking.

“Not refuting this as a ‘worst-kept secret.’ But it’s not the only situation to monitor,” McShay said of Cowherd’s report via X. “There’s another team with two first-round picks in ‘26 whose GM’s son is a close friend to Arch at Texas. And the HC has a pretty good history with QBs. Just sayin…”

Looking at who owns what first-round picks outside of Cleveland for this upcoming April, the only possible answer is the Los Angeles Rams. After trading with the Atlanta Falcons this past year, the Rams now own two Thursday night selections. Right there alone tells you who McShay is talking about.

Another dead-tell was “the HC has a pretty good history with QBs.” One of the first answers when talking about quarterback-friendly head coaches in the NFL is Sean McVay. Between the work he did with Jared Goff, guiding the Rams to an NFC Championship and Super Bowl appearance, and actually hosting the Lombardi Trophy with Matthew Stafford, McVay is one of the best.

Manning has yet to take his first official snap as the full-time starting quarterback at Texas. Seemingly everyone is curious about what his future holds, though. Rumors have gone around saying Manning would return to Austin for the 2026 season for the sake of his development.

He was even asked about the prospect of moving onto the next level when attending SEC Media Days. Unsurprisingly, Manning is not too focused on what will be taking place in around a year’s time.

“I’m really just worried about getting through this interview and then getting through the run tomorrow,” Manning said on July 15. “I’m just focused on this year and getting better each day.”

Texas will be right there as a favorite to win the national championship this season. Manning will get the journey started on Aug. 30, going up to Columbus to face off against the Ohio State Buckeyes.