Arch Manning's arrival at the Saints seems predestined: The emergency g of a controversial QB doesn't seem like a problem for him

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the New Orleans Saints are grappling with the sudden retirement of veteran quarterback Derek Carr, but do they have their answer as all eyes are now turning toward Arch Manning?

Despite still developing as the starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, the 21-year-old is widely tipped to enter the 2026 NFL Draft and as things stand, is widely tipped to be the first pick.

Considering the unique connections the Manning family has with New Orleans and the now dire QB situation for the Saints, many believe Arch and the Caesars Superdome is a heaven-made match but is it realistic?

The team's current options of Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener are all relatively unproven, and none are viewed as long-term solutions, so it's likely Mickey Loomis will be shopping around again.

As a result, speculation is growing that the Saints could end up with a high value pick in the 2026 NFL Draft due to the glaring weakness in the most important position on the field.

This is perfect timing as Manning will likely declare for that draft class in particular if he has a successful season with the Longhorns in the NCAA, which is far more probable than the alternative of a slump.

Despite having only two starts behind Quinn Ewers, Manning tallied 493 ing yards and four touchdowns and generated a high buzz that will carry momentum forward.

For the Saints, this timing could be an ideal scenario. With Arch being the nephew of Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning and showing similar potential, they could land their franchise QB.

There is also an undeniable connection to the New Orleans franchise that can't be matched by money either. Arch's grandfather, Archie, played for the team for over a decade, becoming a beloved figure in the city.

Saints sign a new QB: What does it mean for Arch Manning?

The idea of the Manning name returning home is tantalizing, it's important to note that he has yet to prove himself as a full-time starter and that's part of why the Saints opted to pick up Hunter Dekkers, formerly of the Iowa State Cyclones.

The move will likely start out in a training camp role but Dekkers has talent to his name and could inset himself into the conversation. In college for the Cyclones, he threw for 3,355 yards and 22 touchdowns, completing 65.4% of his es.

The QB is position wide open heading into training camp and Dekkers' addition to the quarterback room provides the Saints with another option to evaluate as they prepare for the 2025 campaign.

Could he become the starter ahead of Manning's tipped arrival for the 2026/27 NFL season?