Campaign to ‘Tank for Arch’ is gaining momentum amongst Cowboys fans
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, rumors have begun swirling that the Dallas Cowboys might forgo drafting a quarterback this year and instead “tank” over the next couple of seasons to secure Arch Manning, the star quarterback for the Texas Longhorns.
While this idea may seem appealing to some fans, it’s built on a series of flawed assumptions that make it highly unlikely.
The Cowboys’ most pressing need right now is to secure a reliable backup quarterback, especially considering Dak Prescott’s injury history. Prescott is coming off a hamstring injury, which marks his second major lower-body issue in recent seasons.
Although Prescott is expected to make a full recovery for the upcoming season, Dallas cannot afford to enter the season without a solid backup plan.
With Cooper Rush moving on in free agency and Trey Lance’s future uncertain, the Cowboys need to act quickly. Ironically, the Cowboys have been eyeing a Texas quarterback, but it’s not Arch Manning.
Instead, the team is looking at Quinn Ewers, who has been the Longhorns’ starter for the past two seasons. Manning, who is expected to take over as Texas’ starting quarterback, could very well become the future face of the Longhorns, but the Cowboys need a backup QB now, not in several years.
When will Arch Manning enter the NFL?
Arch Manning, the highly touted quarterback prospect, committed to Texas with a long-term plan in mind. Although he’s spent his first two seasons as a backup, Manning is primed to take over as the Longhorns’ starter this season. However, there’s a real possibility that Manning won’t enter the NFL Draft until 2027, pushing any potential Cowboys’ interest in him further out.
Manning is highly likely to stay for at least one more season after 2025, especially if he excels as a starter and wins awards like the Heisman or leads Texas to a national championship. Moreover, the explosion of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals in college sports has made it financially lucrative for players like Manning to stay in school longer.
Manning, who is already making millions in endorsements, could very well decide to stay at Texas for an additional year, delaying his draft eligibility until 2027.
If Manning remains in college through 2026, the Cowboys’ hopes of landing him sooner are dashed, and the idea of tanking for him loses its appeal.
While Arch Manning is undoubtedly a talented quarterback with a bright future, the idea that the Cowboys would deliberately tank to secure him is highly unrealistic.
The Cowboys’ current roster, with its star players and aspirations of competing for a Super Bowl, has no room for a long-term rebuilding strategy. The timeline for Manning’s NFL eligibility, combined with the Cowboys’ pressing need for a quarterback now, makes this “Tank for Arch” plan more fantasy than reality. Dallas has far too much at stake to gamble on a quarterback who might not even be available in the next couple of years.