Texas Longhorns QB Arch Manning has received a lot of media attention early in his college career. He has never been a full-time starter in college, but the spotlight follows his surname. Manning is the nephew of former NFL star QBs Peyton and Eli Manning.
As a result, Manning has big expectations to live up to the family name. This has caused former NFL wide receiver Victor Cruz to make a bold proclamation about the New York Giants’ future plans at the quarterback position.
Former NFL WR Victor Cruz Outlines Arch Manning/Giants Plan
The Giants have not been a hugely successful franchise since the retirement of Eli Manning after the 2019 season. They only made the playoffs once in five seasons since (and only had nine wins that season). Part of the issue is they have not found a star quarterback. Daniel Jones did not develop into the long-term starter they hoped for.
This season, it culminated in the Giants finishing near the bottom of the NFL standings, and as a result, they have the third pick in the draft. Many media members have suggested the Giants should draft either Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders or Miami QB Cam Ward. However, this is considered a weak year for quarterbacks in the draft.
With that in mind, there are some people who think the Giants should wait to draft their quarterback of the future until another season, including Cruz. He spoke with “Fireside Giants” and thinks they should sign Sam Darnold this offseason before drafting Manning in 2026.
“I think he’s the perfect QB to go get,” said Cruz. ” I think he could come in and then Arch Manning comes in (in 2026).
Victor Cruz wants to see the Giants bring in Sam Darnold and wait for Arch Manning… thoughts?🧐 #Giants100 pic.twitter.com/4GBKz6HaXX
— Fireside Giants (@FiresideGiants) January 29, 2025
This would be an interesting path for the Giants. Darnold had a breakout season this year, and although he performed poorly in the playoffs, he should stabilize the Giants at the quarterback position next season. They can then grab a star like Manning in the draft next season (or another signal-caller, depending on who breaks out). Doing so would allow the Giants to draft a star at a different position this year, like two-way star Travis Hunter.