Transaction
Cleveland pursued the QB before he ultimately landed with the Giants.
The Cleveland Browns attempted to acquire Eli Manning during the 2004 NFL draft, but the quarterback resisted the trade. Manning preferred landing with the Giants or Steelers instead, a preference that ultimately shaped his draft outcome and early career trajectory.
The Browns' pursuit of Manning came at a draft juncture when the QB market was in flux. Manning's resistance altered the course of one of the draft class's most significant quarterback placements and steered him toward the organization where he would spend his entire 16-year career.
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Source: Yahoo Sports Verified news feed