The New York Giants are entering a critical phase as the 2024 NFL offseason approaches. With a disappointing season behind them and questions looming about the future of their quarterback position, the franchise faces tough decisions about its next steps. Giants legend Victor Cruz, a Super Bowl champion and one of the most beloved figures in the team’s history, has added an intriguing angle to the conversation: Could Arch Manning, the highly touted college quarterback, be part of the Giants’ long-term solution?
The 2023 season has been nothing short of tumultuous for the Giants. Daniel Jones, the team’s starting quarterback, struggled with injuries and inconsistent play after signing a lucrative contract extension. Backup quarterbacks were unable to steady the ship, leaving the Giants with one of the league’s worst records and the prospect of a high draft pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
While Jones’ future remains uncertain, the Giants’ front office is reportedly considering all options—ranging from drafting a quarterback to pursuing a veteran in free agency. This uncertainty has sparked speculation about who could lead the team in the years to come, and Victor Cruz has joined the conversation with a bold suggestion involving college football’s most hyped quarterback prospect: Arch Manning.
During a recent interview, Cruz was asked about the Giants’ quarterback situation and whether the team should consider taking a big swing in the draft. Cruz, never one to shy away from sharing his opinions, brought up the possibility of targeting Arch Manning, the freshman quarterback at the University of Texas and member of football’s royal family.
“Arch Manning is going to be a star. No question about it,” Cruz said. “I know he’s not in this draft class, but if the Giants are thinking long-term, why not keep an eye on him? The Manning legacy speaks for itself, and he’d bring instant credibility to the franchise. Plus, with his family ties to New York, it just makes sense.”
Cruz’s comment refers to the connection between the Manning family and the Giants. Arch’s uncle, Eli Manning, spent 16 seasons with the Giants, leading the team to two Super Bowl victories and earning a place in franchise history. The idea of Arch following in Eli’s footsteps would undoubtedly excite Giants fans yearning for a return to glory.
While the idea of Arch Manning in a Giants uniform is tantalizing, there are significant hurdles. First and foremost, Arch is not eligible for the NFL Draft until 2026, as he is currently in his freshman year at Texas. This timeline makes it unlikely that the Giants could target him as an immediate solution. However, if the team adopts a long-term rebuild strategy, keeping an eye on Manning’s development could be part of the plan.
Arch Manning’s decision to attend Texas was influenced by his desire to forge his own path, separate from the legacy of his family’s NFL careers. Despite this, his pedigree—being the grandson of NFL legend Archie Manning and nephew of both Eli and Peyton Manning—has made him one of the most closely watched prospects in college football. His combination of arm talent, football IQ, and poise under pressure has scouts already projecting him as a potential top pick when he becomes draft-eligible.
The Giants’ immediate concern is addressing their quarterback situation for 2024. With a likely top-five draft pick, the team has an opportunity to select one of the premier quarterbacks in this year’s class, including Caleb Williams (USC) or Drake Maye (UNC). Either player could provide the fresh start the Giants desperately need. However, if the front office believes in Daniel Jones or wants to prioritize other positions in the draft, they could explore veteran options in free agency.
Cruz’s suggestion to consider Arch Manning may not apply to the current draft cycle, but it highlights an important point: the Giants need a long-term plan for stability at the quarterback position. Whether that plan involves taking a big swing on a rookie like Williams, waiting for Manning, or sticking with Jones, the franchise must avoid the cycle of mediocrity that has plagued them in recent years.
Cruz’s comments have sparked widespread debate among Giants fans. Many are intrigued by the idea of Arch Manning wearing the iconic blue and white, pointing to Eli’s legacy and the excitement of bringing another Manning into the fold. Others, however, are more focused on the present, arguing that the team cannot afford to wait for a prospect three years down the line.
From a business perspective, drafting a Manning could be a marketing goldmine for the Giants. Eli’s tenure created a loyal fanbase and produced unforgettable moments, and Arch could potentially reignite that same passion. The challenge, of course, lies in ensuring that Arch develops into a franchise-caliber quarterback—and that the Giants’ roster is strong enough to support him.
Victor Cruz’s suggestion to keep an eye on Arch Manning is a bold and thought-provoking idea. While the logistics make it unlikely in the short term, the Giants could view Manning as part of a longer-term vision for the franchise. In the meantime, the team must focus on addressing its immediate quarterback needs, whether through the draft, free agency, or recommitting to Daniel Jones.
Regardless of the path they choose, the Giants are at a crossroads. The decisions they make in the coming months will shape the future of the franchise—and, who knows, maybe one day Arch Manning will step onto the field at MetLife Stadium, carrying on the Manning legacy in New York. For now, though, the focus is on finding the next leader who can guide the Giants back to relevance.