The story writes itself. Just under 45 years after legendary New Orleans Saints quarterback Archie Manning played his last game for the team, they could draft his grandson to lead them into a new era. Arch Manning has been billed as the savior of whichever franchise is lucky enough to select him with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
As it turns out, the story may have been too good to be true. The current Texas Longhorn has been underwhelming in his first few games this season, leading to speculation that he could be more than a year away from leaving for the pros.
With Arch potentially off the table, the Saints will need to look at some other options in the draft.
Arch Manning may not be the savior the Saints need
In all likelihood, the Saints are going to be picking a quarterback early in next year's draft. Spencer Rattler has shown flashes of talent in his limited time as the team's starter, but he would have to have an electric season to cement himself as the long-term answer. As for second-round rookie Tyler Shough, it's a bad sign that he wasn't able to win the position battle with Rattler this preseason. At almost 26 years old, there isn't much hope for his development.
New Orleans never gives up on a season, but they're projected to be picking near the top of the draft in 2026. It's a talented quarterback class, headlined by Manning's seemingly astronomical potential. But after a slow start to his first year as the Longhorns' full-time starter, the young quarterback might not be as ready to lead an NFL franchise as some scouts thought.
The college football world was sent into panic when Manning came out flat against Ohio State in the season opener. But a slow start against an elite defense can be excused, especially for such a young player.
He bounced back in his second game, throwing four touchdown passes as Texas dominated an inferior San Jose State team.
But the struggles returned this weekend as Manning threw just one touchdown and one interception in a competitive victory over a UTEP team much less talented than the Longhorns. Three games into the year, the superstar quarterback has thrown six touchdowns and three interceptions, completing just over 55% of his passes.
There are still signs of talent in the young QB. He has the arm and the processing ability to succeed at the next level. But after the start he's had to this season, it's looking more and more likely that he'll wait until 2027 to enter the draft. If the Saints are hoping to find their franchise quarterback next offseason, they may have to look in a different direction.