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- NCAA. Why Arch Manning's family might block his NFL dreams with the New York Jets
As NFL fans turn their attention to this year's draft, Arch Manning is already stirring intense speculation, with teams like the Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, and New York Jets reportedly monitoring the Texas Longhorns quarterback ahead of the 2027 NFL Draft.
Manning, a junior, had a strong first season as a starter in 2025, guiding coach Steve Sarkisian's Longhorns to a 10-3 record, capped by a Citrus Bowl victory over Michigan, and cementing his status as the top quarterback prospect for next year's class.
The Dolphins joined the conversation after trading Jaylen Waddle to the Broncos, signaling Miami's clear interest in positioning itself for Manning. Cardinals insider Kyle Odegaard listed Arizona, Miami, and New York as the main contenders poised to chase the No. 1 pick for Manning.
Veteran analyst Mike Francesa warned that the Manning family would likely intervene to prevent Arch from landing with the Jets. "I'll tell you this, Jet fans. I hate to give you this a year in advance," he said on his podcast, predicting family influence in draft outcomes.
"And it will probably make you hate the Mannings more if you're a Jet fan and you hate the Mannings already, because remember, Peyton didn't want to play for the Jets. They will not let Arch Manning play for the Jets. I'm telling you right now, they will manipulate the draft, they will never let him get drafted by the Jets. You can take that to the bank."
The Jets have struggled historically, which may be why the Manning family is hesitant. Arch's bright future as a franchise quarterback could be jeopardized in a struggling organization, echoing similar concerns seen when Peyton and Eli avoided certain teams during their drafts.
Jets trade for Geno Smith with one eye on Manning?
New York's recent trade for quarterback Geno Smith signals an attempt to stabilize the position ahead of Manning's potential arrival.
Smith, who spent three seasons with the Jets from 2013-2015 before a locker-room incident led to a fractured jaw, passed his physical on Tuesday and is slated to be the team's starter, giving the Jets an experienced option behind him with Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe still on the roster.
Sources told ESPN that the Jets acquired Smith from the Raiders for a 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for a 2026 seventh-rounder.
To complete the trade, Smith restructured his contract, receiving a total of $19.5 million in 2026, with the Raiders covering $16.2 million and the Jets paying the remaining $3.3 million, ensuring both sides could absorb the financial terms without major disruption.
Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs acquired Justin Fields from New York, sending a 2027 sixth-round pick while paying $7 million of his $10 million guaranteed salary.
Fields struggled last year, finishing 2-7 as a starter and ranking 31st out of 36 in Total QBR, prompting the Jets to move him as part of the quarterback overhaul.
With Smith installed and Fields departing, the Jets appear focused on building a bridge toward the 2027 draft, positioning themselves to compete for Arch Manning while maintaining quarterback stability and preparing the team to support a potential franchise cornerstone.