Arch Manning Theory for Vikings Is a Doozy
If you’re an intent follower of Minnesota Vikings football, mark the summer of 2025 as the first time the purple team was formally connected to the Arch Manning draft sweepstakes.
Bleacher Report ran with a wild Arch Manning theory tied to the Vikings, and it’s .. something. Here’s why the idea has fans buzzing and shaking their heads.
The famously last-named Texas quarterback may or may not enter the 2026 NFL Draft, and according to Bleacher Report, Peyton Manning’s nephew would fit wonderfully on Kevin O’Connell’s team.
In fact, that outlet called Minnesota the very best landing spot in the world for Manning.
Bleacher Report Publishes Goofball Theory for Vikings
The Vikings would evidently be a good fit for one Arch Manning.
Best Spot in NFL for Arch Manning Is … the Minnesota Vikings
Of course, an entire 2025 regular season must unfold before the Arch Manning sweepstakes hit a fever pitch. Stinky teams will begin the Manning rollercoaster sometime in October or November, at least in the court of public opinion.
But for now, BR claims the Vikings are the top landing spot for Manning — per what’s best for him.
BR’s Brent Sobleski explained, “Archie Manning may be most closely associated with his time as a member of the New Orleans Saints, but his 14-year career ended with the Minnesota Vikings. The franchise is wholly invested in J.J. McCarthy as its starting QB after spending the 10th overall pick in last year’s draft to acquire him.”
“However, everyone must remember the Michigan product has yet to do anything to warrant such status. He didn’t play as a rookie due to a knee injury, so he needs to show he’s capable of leading a team with serious postseason aspirations. If the Vikings falter with McCarthy behind center (or he suffers another injury) and the possibility of acquiring the latest Manning becomes realistic, the situation becomes real interesting.”
To draft Manning, Minnesota would also have to find a way to procure the first, second, or third overall pick in next year’s draft, meaning the club’s 2025 record would have to be around 4-13 or so.
Oddsmakers believe the Vikings will finish 9-8 or 10-7.
Sobleski added, “For Manning, the Vikings have stability and a strong roster. Offensively, whoever starts behind center will be throwing to Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson. The Minnesota front office invested heavily in its offensive interior this offseason, and the defense is one of the league’s most creative and aggressive. Most importantly, head coach Kevin O’Connell is considered one of the NFL’s best when it comes to designing a QB-friendly scheme while understanding what the position needs.”
“Furthermore, quarterbacks coach Josh McCown played 19 seasons in the NFL. McCarthy not working out would be surprising. If that happens, though, other quarterbacks should be looking to the franchise, which is set up to succeed. The Manning family will understand what’s possible in Minnesota.”
You See, the Thing Is, Minnesota Has a QB
The Vikings have J.J. McCarthy, and that’s about all you need to know about this BR theory.
McCarthy may not instantly shapeshift into an All-Pro quarterback in 2025, his first season as a starter, but most fans expect him to show a positive trajectory for the future. What’s more, Minnesota is severely unlikely to “give up” on McCarthy after one season if he struggles.
Therefore, because the Vikings have their long-term QB1, any Manning predictions or recommendations are pretty damn useless.
Manning Only an Option if Disaster Strikes
Perhaps if McCarthy missed all or some of the 2025 campaign, signaling a “bust” fate for his career, Minnesota could enter the Manning sweepstakes. When McCarthy fell injured last year, Minnesota turned around and won 14 games with Sam Darnold.
This time, O’Connell would roll with Max Brosmer or Carson Wentz at quarterback, and neither man is likely to foster the horrid losing record needed to draft Manning.
On the whole, though, a devastating injury to McCarthy is basically the one event that could thrust Minnesota toward Manning.
Pre-2025 Scouting Report
NFL Draft Buzz profiles Manning in this way: “Manning represents the rare prospect who combines blue-chip physical tools with an elite football pedigree and natural feel for the position. His combination of arm talent, athleticism, and advanced mental processing hints at a ceiling that could surpass even his Hall of Fame uncles.”
“While the sample size remains limited, Manning’s flashes of brilliance — particularly his historic performance against UTSA — showcase a quarterback who can stress defenses vertically while extending plays with his legs. His quick release, anticipation, and dual-threat capability project perfectly to modern NFL offensive schemes.”
Manning is 6’4″ and 230 pounds, also known as prototypical quarterback size. Go figure for a Manning, right?
Colts as 2nd-Best Landing Spot
Sobleski noted on the Colts as the second-best landing spot: “Of the five teams included in this piece, the Colts present the best combination of availability for a new starting quarterback and a solid supporting cast.”
“They can make a strong play to add the next Manning. Arch Manning can benefit greatly from playing behind offensive linemen Quenton Nelson and Bernhard Raimann and alongside running back Jonathan Taylor while throwing to Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs and tight end Tyler Warren.”
Some conspiracy theorists have hinted that the Colts are already tanking for Manning by employing Daniel Jones as the QB1 in 2025.
“Another potential positive is coming in with a new staff tailored toward the quarterback. General manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen are on the hot seat, which feels like part of the reason why they went with Jones instead of Richardson,” Sobleski added.
“The need to win now could backfire dramatically and place the Colts in a similar position to the one they found themselves prior to the 1998 draft. A Manning making the Colts relevant again feels like nature correcting itself.”
Indianapolis netting Manning is significantly more probable than Minnesota.
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