Why the New Orleans Saints Are Poised to Tank for Arch Manning After Derek Carr’s NFL Retirement in 2025
The NFL landscape is constantly shifting, especially when veteran quarterbacks retire and promising young talent rises through the ranks. One of the most intriguing storylines shaping up for the 2025 NFL season is the potential tanking strategy of the New Orleans Saints in their pursuit of Arch Manning, the highly touted Texas Longhorns quarterback. This scenario gains even more traction after Derek Carr, a seasoned NFL signal-caller, announced his retirement earlier this year. The Saints, a franchise with a history of playoff appearances but no recent Super Bowl titles, might see a golden opportunity to rebuild around Manning, one of the most coveted prospects in recent college football history. This essay explores the reasons why the Saints could intentionally falter in the short term to secure a top draft pick, how Arch Manning fits into their future plans, and the broader implications for the NFL.
To understand why the Saints could tank in 2025, it’s important first to examine the current state of the franchise and the NFL’s draft system. The New Orleans Saints have been competitive for much of the past decade, largely thanks to the leadership of Drew Brees, whose retirement left a significant void at quarterback. Since then, the Saints have struggled to find a consistent replacement. While Derek Carr brought stability and veteran presence to the quarterback position, his recent retirement has once again plunged the team into uncertainty. Without a reliable starting quarterback, the Saints face a crossroads: either try to patch together a competitive roster immediately or fully embrace rebuilding by securing the best young talent available through the draft.
The NFL draft is a primary mechanism for teams to rebuild and improve by selecting top collegiate players. Unlike most professional sports, the NFL draft order is designed to benefit the worst teams, with the first overall pick going to the team with the worst regular-season record, barring any trades. This structure incentivizes teams that are out of playoff contention to lose more games intentionally—a strategy known colloquially as “tanking”—to secure higher draft positions. While tanking is controversial, it is not uncommon in the NFL, especially for teams with glaring needs at critical positions like quarterback.
Arch Manning, as a prospect, is nothing short of extraordinary. Coming out of the University of Texas, he has been heralded as one of the most promising quarterbacks to enter the NFL in years. Part of the famed Manning football family legacy, which includes NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch’s pedigree combined with his collegiate performance has made him a top prospect. His arm talent, football IQ, athleticism, and leadership qualities make him an ideal franchise quarterback candidate. For a team like the Saints, who have struggled to find a lasting quarterback solution since Brees, acquiring Manning could represent the franchise-changing opportunity they desperately need.
The retirement of Derek Carr further complicates the Saints’ quarterback situation. Carr was a steady veteran presence who helped keep the team competitive. His departure leaves the Saints without a proven starter, increasing the appeal of drafting a top-tier rookie quarterback like Manning. This vacuum likely intensifies the organization’s willingness to sacrifice short-term success for long-term stability. While fans always want their team to win every game, the harsh reality of the NFL is that rebuilding around a potential superstar often requires enduring losing seasons initially.
The Saints’ decision to tank would not just be about losing games but rather about strategically managing the roster and playing time to maximize their chances of landing the first overall pick. This can mean starting inexperienced quarterbacks, limiting investments in veteran free agents, or developing younger players who may not immediately contribute to wins but have upside for the future. In doing so, the Saints would be signaling their commitment to a complete rebuild centered on Arch Manning.
Additionally, the Saints’ coaching staff and front office would need to buy into this long-term vision. The organization has historically been known for its resilience and playoff competitiveness, but the front office’s willingness to embrace a tanking strategy could reflect a recognition that incremental improvements are insufficient without a true franchise quarterback. By committing to Arch Manning, the Saints could position themselves to build a championship-caliber team around him over several years.
The NFL’s competitive balance mechanisms, including the draft order and salary cap, create an environment where rebuilding through the draft is often the most sustainable path to success. For the Saints, picking Arch Manning first overall is not just about adding a player; it’s about securing a foundational piece who can influence every aspect of the team—from offensive schemes to fan engagement. Manning’s arrival would energize the fan base, boost ticket sales, and attract free agents eager to play with a dynamic young quarterback.
Moreover, the Saints’ potential tanking has broader implications for the league. It raises ethical questions about competitive integrity and the fine line between strategic rebuilding and deliberate losing. The NFL has historically discouraged tanking, but enforcement is difficult, and teams often find subtle ways to rebuild through poor records. The Saints’ situation exemplifies this dilemma: they are caught between wanting to remain competitive and the practical necessity of acquiring a game-changing quarterback.
From a fan’s perspective, the prospect of tanking is understandably frustrating. Loyal supporters want their team to compete every season and cherish victories. However, the reality of professional sports is that rebuilding sometimes requires painful short-term sacrifices for the promise of long-term success. If the Saints do tank and successfully draft Arch Manning, the payoff could be significant—a new era of dominance akin to what Peyton Manning brought to the Indianapolis Colts or what Patrick Mahomes has done with the Kansas City Chiefs.
In conclusion, the New Orleans Saints’ potential tanking for Arch Manning in 2025 following Derek Carr’s retirement is a compelling narrative rooted in the realities of the NFL’s structure and the critical importance of the quarterback position. Manning’s exceptional talent and the Saints’ current quarterback void create a unique opportunity for the franchise to reset and build toward sustained success. While tanking is a controversial strategy, it may represent the most viable path for the Saints to secure a franchise quarterback capable of leading them back to championship contention. The coming months and the 2025 season will be pivotal for New Orleans, as their decisions could shape the team’s trajectory for years to come, making Arch Manning’s arrival not just a draft pick but a beacon of hope for a franchise eager to reclaim its glory.
