One of the major storylines for the 2025 season will be centered around Arch Manning’s draft status. Will he declare for the NFL Draft this year or next? Does he start for Texas one year or two? Which team is tanking for Manning? The speculation will grow around NFL teams that have an under performing QB or an aging quarterback. The Los Angeles Rams fall into the later category.
A new report from Yahoo Sports suggests the Rams have a high opinion of Manning and the ammunition to target him. There is a feeling inside the Rams organization that Matthew Stafford’s career has reached its sunset and a succession plan needs to be in place.
The problem with that plan is the Rams only rate one QB that could be in the 2026 NFL Draft as “Tier 1” and that is Arch Manning. LA thinks his size, arm and athleticism puts him head and shoulders above any QB that might be in the draft. They see him as a better version of Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen.
The Rams may not even have to tank. Los Angeles has a treasure trove of NFL Draft pics ready to use in a trade, including two first-rounders in the 2026 draft. Yahoo reports if Stafford chooses to return to the team after this season, they would still draft Manning, if available, and have him back up Stafford for a season. The plan is similar to how the Kansas City Chiefs kept Patrick Mahomes on the bench behind Alex Smith in 2017.
This of course is all contingent on whether Arch Manning is even in the 2026 draft. By April, the Rams, and the entire NFL, will know if Manning entered the draft or returned to Texas. Most around the UT program believe Manning will return for another season if Texas fails to win the national title. If Manning leads Texas to a championship, then the decision perimeters will change.
For his part, Manning is focused on Ohio State at the Horseshoe in August. But the Rams will be one of the teams Longhorns fans will hear associated with Manning this season. The list will only grow if he plays well.
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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Is Arch Manning the LA Rams succession plan for Matthew Stafford?
Reporting by Trey Luerssen, Longhorns Wire / Longhorns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
