The “Tank for Arch” campaign is already picking up steam.
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning is considered a generational talent. He is a member of the legendary Manning bloodline, and some say he is even more talented than his Super Bowl-winning uncles, Peyton and Eli.
Arch will be eligible for the 2026 NFL draft, and there is speculation that some teams may tank the 2025 season for a chance to make him their franchise QB. Which teams could “Tank for Arch”?
The Jets are a big-market team that has suffered from inconsistent QB play for nearly two decades. They’ve made multiple attempts to fill the void but to no avail. Their QBs only seem to become successful after leaving the dysfunctional organization.
The Jets could struggle to be competitive this year as they scramble to regain stability following the Aaron Rodgers experience. He uprooted the culture, backing the Jets’ front office into corners until they imploded.
It’s not crazy to think that the Jets could naturally be within striking distance for Arch, and with a little extra effort, they could have their first real franchise QB since Joe Namath.
This would be an incredible story. New Orleans is Arch’s hometown, and his grandfather, Archie, was drafted second overall by the Saints 54 years ago.
The Saints are coming off a 5-12 season; their worst since 1999. Coincidentally, that was the year before they signed the great Drew Brees. That signing made them an immediate contender, remaining competitive for nearly 15 years. Bringing in Arch could kickstart another rapid turnaround.
Many believe that the Saints aren’t as bad as their record suggests. Their division is weak enough that going last to first is very plausible, but if they start slow, they may be tempted to let off the gas to bring Arch back home.
Dallas is a big-market team that has lost their identity as “America’s Team”. They are desperately looking for someone to bring back the glory days.
General Manager and Owner Jerry Jones has gone off the rails lately, and the list of baffling decisions seems never-ending. Tanking an entire season to get a new QB after making their current QB the highest-paid in the league, feels like par for the course.
The Cowboys could use their dysfunction to their benefit, tanking the 2025 season to make Arch the face of the franchise.
“Tank for Arch” doesn’t have the ring to it others have had—”Suck for Luck”, now that was a slogan! How about “March for Arch”?
Arch Manning appears poised to be the first overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft. Given his talent and pedigree, teams may take extreme measures to get him, including tanking the 2025 season. The Jets, Saints, and Cowboys are the best fits, but any QB-needy team could enter the conversation.
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