Tyler Shough’s dream with the New Orleans Saints could be short-lived; Arch Manning and his grandfather have an unbreakable plan for 2026

It’s no secret to anyone that Arch Manning will be the object of desire for several teams when he enters the NFL Draft, though the bad news is that they may have to wait until the player spends two years as Texas‘ starting quarterback before making the leap, as they don’t want to rush his process despite being one of the best prospects in college football.

A change of plans for Arch Manning?

The news of Derek Carr’s retirement left a vacancy that will now be contested within the New Orleans Saints. Without the veteran, the position is up for grabs among Tyler Shough (a second-round pick), Jake Haener, and Spencer Rattler.

But what if the Saints’ plan is to wait for Arch Manning? It seems Shough will get an opportunity in the NFL, but there’s no guarantee he’s the long-term solution. He was selected 40th overall in the Draft, but neither he nor his two teammates appear to be the ones to carry the franchise’s future.

This is where Arch Manning’s name comes into play, as it might be very tempting to have the opportunity to play in his hometown, for the very franchise that brought the Manning name to the global stage.

The Manning surname in Louisiana is practically royalty for over 50 years, ever since Archie Manning (Arch’s grandfather) became the Saints’ starting quarterback in 1971. He participated in multiple Pro Bowls and was even inducted into the Hall of Fame.

His jersey number 8 hasn’t been officially retired but hasn’t been worn since he left the team in 1982, so it could be a great opportunity for Arch to take that number and change the franchise’s trajectory.

Thanks to these roots, Peyton, Eli, and Cooper Manning grew up in New Orleans and attended Isidore Newman School, just five kilometers from the Superdome. Arch, Cooper’s son, also grew up in New Orleans, played at Isidore Newman, and broke all the records set by his legendary uncles who shone in the NFL.

Texas was the program Arch chose to forge his path, and he is one of the best prospects in college football. It would be legendary to see the Manning name return to the New Orleans Saints after more than 40 years.