Saints Rumors: Executive Suggests Bypassing Shedeur Sanders to Tank for Arch Manning – A Risky but Calculated Long-Term Gamble

The New Orleans Saints have found themselves in the eye of a speculative storm after recent rumors surfaced involving an alleged executive suggestion that the team should bypass drafting Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders in favor of a long-term plan to “tank” for Arch Manning—Peyton and Eli Manning’s highly touted nephew and a New Orleans native.

This controversial idea, if rooted in any truth, reveals a bold, if not brazen, approach to roster building that intertwines strategic planning, local legacy, and risky draft manipulation.

The Heart of the Rumor

According to sources close to the NFL rumor mill, an unnamed league executive floated the idea that the Saints could pass on selecting Shedeur Sanders—currently projected as a potential top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft—in favor of setting their sights on Arch Manning, who is still in the early stages of his college career at the University of Texas.

This suggestion is stirring waves across fan circles and analyst forums, not just for the audacity of the potential tanking strategy, but for what it implies about the Saints’ long-term quarterback vision and cultural aspirations.

Who is Arch Manning?

Arch Manning is no ordinary quarterback prospect. The third-generation signal-caller from the Manning family dynasty, Arch was one of the most hyped high school recruits in recent memory. As the grandson of Saints legend Archie Manning and nephew to Super Bowl champions Peyton and Eli, Arch carries the weight of a family legacy that is both revered and rooted in New Orleans.

Currently at Texas, Arch is still behind Quinn Ewers on the depth chart, but analysts widely project him as a future first-round draft pick—possibly a No. 1 overall talent—should his trajectory continue upward.

Why Bypass Shedeur Sanders?

Shedeur Sanders, son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, has made his own mark at Colorado under his father’s coaching. Known for his poise, arm talent, and competitive fire, Shedeur has demonstrated the qualities of a franchise quarterback. Most NFL scouts consider him to be among the elite quarterback prospects in the 2025 draft class.

So why would the Saints consider skipping a quarterback like Sanders in the draft?

From a strategic lens, the idea seems rooted in legacy branding and long-term cultural alignment. Drafting Arch Manning would not only bring a highly talented quarterback into the fold, but it would also reignite deep emotional ties between the city of New Orleans and its most celebrated football family. The marketing potential alone—jersey sales, ticket spikes, media attention—would be monumental.

Furthermore, there’s the possibility that the Saints’ front office may view Arch as a better cultural and leadership fit for the franchise’s next era. In essence, it’s a bet not just on talent, but on narrative.

The Tanking Dilemma

Of course, the notion of “tanking” in the NFL is both controversial and dangerous. While teams may subtly position themselves to improve draft capital, overt tanking strategies risk alienating fans, damaging locker room morale, and inviting scrutiny from the league itself.

To intentionally bypass a top-tier quarterback like Sanders in the hopes of landing Arch Manning—who won’t be draft-eligible until at least 2026—is an enormous gamble that hinges on too many uncontrollable factors: performance, injuries, draft position, and most crucially, whether Arch would even want to play for his hometown team.

What’s more, there is no guarantee that the Saints would even land the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft, nor that Arch would definitively declare early.

A Legacy vs. Logic Debate

This rumor taps into a deeper debate around team-building in today’s NFL: Should a franchise prioritize legacy and local ties over immediate on-field upgrades?

On one side, drafting Shedeur Sanders would give the Saints an elite talent who could contribute immediately and potentially lift the team out of quarterback purgatory. On the other side, a carefully timed rebuild around Arch Manning could pay enormous dividends—assuming every piece falls into place.

Final Thoughts

While the Saints have not confirmed any such internal discussions, the very emergence of this rumor speaks volumes about the high stakes of NFL quarterback evaluations and the power of football legacies. The Saints stand at a potential crossroads—whether real or hypothetical—between immediate competitiveness and the allure of a homegrown savior in Arch Manning.

For now, fans and analysts alike will continue to watch the Saints’ moves closely, particularly as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches. One thing is certain: the decision between Shedeur Sanders and the long game for Arch Manning, if it ever materializes, could define the next decade of New Orleans football.