Texas Star Arch Manning Could Replace $150 Million, 4-Time Pro Bowl Quarterback
By Jonathan Adams, Athlon Sports
Arch Manning is seen as the future of the Texas Longhorns, but some fans are already considering his potential in the NFL draft. However, Manning isn’t eligible for the draft until 2026.
The challenge in finding a team for Manning lies in the fact that many quarterback-needy teams in 2025 may not be good fits. Athlon Sports previously mentioned the Los Angeles Rams and New York Jets as possible destinations.
One more team adds a Hollywood-like twist. Manning’s grandfather, Archie Manning, is a New Orleans Saints legend who played 11 seasons with the franchise.
Could his grandson be the new face of the Saints in 2026? Athlon Sports’ Luke Easterling suggested New Orleans as a potential destination for Manning.
Teams like the New York Jets (Aaron Rodgers) and Los Angeles Rams (Matthew Stafford) may consider moving on from older veterans nearing retirement, while others like the New York Giants (Daniel Jones), New Orleans Saints (Derek Carr), Pittsburgh Steelers (Justin Fields, Russell Wilson), and Tennessee Titans (Will Levis) may seek long-term solutions,” Easterling wrote on Oct. 14.
Derek Carr’s $150 million contract runs through 2026 with the Saints but carries a significant $61.4 million cap hit for that year. Although the Saints have an option to part with Carr this offseason, it would still come with a hefty $60.1 million dead cap hit, according to Spotrac.
Manning still has a lot to demonstrate as an NFL prospect, but the Saints’ connection with his family makes them a fascinating potential fit.