The Las Vegas Raiders have gone through a metamorphosis throughout one big offseason. After Tom Brady took over a minority ownership stake in the team, the Raiders have been hard at work to improve the roster, starting with the quarterback position.
A blockbuster trade to acquire Geno Smith has given them a very reliable name behind center. And the appointment of Pete Carroll as the new head coach should bring the franchise some stability. However, one analyst wants them to also consider their long-term future.
Las Vegas Raiders Could Join the Arch Manning Sweepstakes
The trade for Smith was a complete success for Las Vegas, giving them the 15th-ranked quarterback last season, according to PFSN’s QB+ metric, after their starters last season ranked 20th (Aidan O’Connell) and 35th (Gardner Minshew II).
However, at 35, it might not be long before the Raiders have to go hunting for a quarterback. As a result, the latest mock draft from PFSN for the 2026 NFL Draft has them adding Arch Manning out of Texas.
The latest incarnation of the Manning family dynasty, he is set to take over as the starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns this season with a chance to make it to the NFL next year. He is, without a doubt, one of the most hyped athletes in the entire collegiate circuit.
However, Jacob Infante believes the Raiders could snag him at nine as he becomes the third quarterback coming off the board in his mock draft. His reasoning for Las Vegas picking him up, though, is relatively simple.
“Geno Smith gives the Las Vegas Raiders a huge upgrade at quarterback for the 2025 season, but he turns 35 in October and has a potential out after 2026. That’s the perfect opportunity to draft a quarterback early next year and have him sit for a year or two behind Smith.”
Geno Smith breaks down one of the best throws of his career pic.twitter.com/7tbTXHHkWD
— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis)
Of course, the success Manning has at Texas this year will determine a lot about his draft positioning and his viability as a draft candidate as early as next season. But, for Infante, the signs are already there.
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“Arch Manning enters the 2025 season with just two college starts under his belt, and he still needs to improve his footwork and feel for backside pressure. But he’s a great athlete, sees the field well, and has a live arm with strong off-platform mechanics. He’s not QB1 yet — but he’s a clear top pick in this mock.”
A model that worked wonders for the Green Bay Packers in recent years might be a smart strategy for the Raiders to implement, and the veteran leadership of names like Smith and Carroll, not to mention Brady in the owner’s booth, could only benefit the prodigal son.
For years, we’ve been treated to Brady vs. Manning. It might finally be time for the football world to witness Brady and Manning.