The Cleveland Browns plan to hire a future Hall of Famer in a top executive role as they try to rebuild the struggling franchise. According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam will try to convince former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning to join the organization as team president. La Canfora said Haslam is desperate to put up a winning football team after going 15-58 in almost five years as Browns owner and he’s hoping that his good relationship with Manning will help convince him to accept the job.

La Canfora also reported that the Browns will undergo sweeping changes in the offseason as Haslam is desperate to find the right combination of front-office personnel and players that will help the organization win.

Currently, the Browns have Sashi Brown as executive vice president of football operations and Paul DePodesta as chief strategy officer.

Browns to offer ownership stake to Manning

La Canfora said that the desperate Browns will offer Manning a small equity stake in the team to convince him to join the organization. Based on information from his sources and close friends of the retired quarterback, La Canfora said Manning will want to run a franchise one day, whether as an executive or part of an ownership group. The Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints are reportedly interested in hiring Manning in a front office position.

In 2016, Manning retired after winning his second Super Bowl title with the Denver Broncos.

A first overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts in 1998, Manning played 18 seasons in the NFL. He carried the Colts to the franchise’s only Super Bowl win in 2006. After missing the 2011 season after undergoing neck surgery, Manning was released by the Colts in 2012. Manning later signed a five-year deal worth $98 million with the Broncos.

Manning retired with 2 Super Bowl titles

Signing Manning paid dividends for the Broncos as he led them to 50 regular-season wins, four AFC West titles, two Super Bowl appearances, and one Super Bowl win after they beat the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50. Manning finished his career as the NFL's all-time leader in passing touchdowns (539) and passing yards (71,940).

Manning also won a Super Bowl MVP trophy and was selected to the Pro Bowl 14 times. He was also selected as a First-Team All-Pro seven times and made the playoffs in 15 of his 18 seasons. In 2013, Manning set single-season records for passing yards with 5,477 en route to a record 55 touchdown passes.
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