Sam Darnold and Arch Manning: The Giants' Quarterback Plan?

Victor Cruz's Quarterback Plan for the Giants

Former New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz recently shared his thoughts on the team's quarterback situation, proposing a two-part plan involving Sam Darnold and Arch Manning. Let's break down this strategy and examine its potential impact on the Giants' future.

Part 1: Sign Sam Darnold in Free Agency

Cruz suggests that the Giants should pursue Sam Darnold in NFL free agency. This idea aligns with recent statements from Giants management, indicating their intention to be aggressive in their search for a new quarterback.

Darnold's Recent Performance

Sam Darnold's 2024 season with the Minnesota Vikings was arguably his best as a professional:

• Completed nearly 70% of his passes
• Threw for over 4,300 yards
• 35 touchdowns to 12 interceptions
• Led the Vikings to 14 regular season wins

These statistics demonstrate a significant improvement in Darnold's play, making him an attractive option for quarterback-needy teams.

Financial Considerations

According to Pro Football Focus projections, Darnold could command a contract in the range of:

• 3 years
• $123.7 million total
• $70 million guaranteed
• $41.2 million per year

This would make Darnold the 15th highest-paid quarterback in the NFL, a substantial investment for the Giants.

Darnold's Performance Under Pressure

During the 2024 season, Darnold showed improvement in handling pressure:

• 13th highest completion percentage under pressure (50.5%)
• 2nd most touchdowns under pressure (13)
• Top 5 in least interceptions thrown under pressure
• 11th best in NFL for putting the ball in a catchable spot (86.9%)

These statistics suggest that Darnold could potentially thrive behind an improved offensive line.

Part 2: Draft Arch Manning in 2026

The second part of Cruz's plan involves waiting until the 2026 NFL Draft to select Arch Manning, nephew of Eli and Peyton Manning.

Potential Timeline Issue

There's a significant problem with this part of the plan. Sources close to the University of Texas football program indicate that Arch Manning intends to start for two seasons at Texas. This could push his draft eligibility to 2027, not 2026 as Cruz suggests.

Arch Manning as a Prospect

Despite limited playing time in college so far, Manning has shown promise:

• Strong deep ball accuracy (42% completion on 20+ yard throws)
• Effective in the intermediate range (61% completion on 10-19 yard throws)
• Dual-threat capability (6.5 yards per carry, 4 rushing touchdowns)

However, it's important to note that Manning has only played in 2.75 games at the college level, making it premature to project his NFL potential accurately.

Analyzing the Viability of Cruz's Plan

Pros of Signing Sam Darnold

1. Immediate Improvement: Darnold could potentially elevate the Giants' offense right away.
2. Prime Age: At 27, Darnold is entering his prime years as a quarterback.
3. Proven Success: His 2024 season showed he can lead a team to multiple wins.
4. Familiarity: The Giants reportedly liked Darnold in previous free agency periods.

Cons of Signing Sam Darnold

1. Cost: The projected contract would be a significant financial commitment.
2. Inconsistency: Darnold's career has been marked by ups and downs.
3. Playoff Performance: He struggled in high-pressure games at the end of the 2024 season.
4. Opportunity Cost: Signing Darnold could prevent the Giants from pursuing other options.

Issues with the Arch Manning Plan

1. Timeline Mismatch: Manning may not be available until 2027, not 2026.
2. Draft Position: If Darnold succeeds, the Giants may not be in position to draft Manning.
3. Unproven Talent: Manning has limited college experience to evaluate.
4. Opportunity Cost: Waiting for Manning means passing on other quarterback prospects.

Alternative Strategies for the Giants

Immediate Options

1. Explore Other Free Agents: Consider quarterbacks like Russell Wilson or Justin Fields.
2. Trade for a Veteran: Pursue a trade for an established NFL starter.
3. Draft a Quarterback in 2025: Use their current draft position to select a top prospect.

Long-term Planning

1. Develop Current Talent: Invest in coaching and supporting cast for existing quarterbacks.
2. Build Through the Draft: Focus on strengthening other positions while waiting for the right QB.
3. Flexible Approach: Remain open to opportunities as they arise, rather than fixating on one plan.

Conclusion

While Victor Cruz's plan for the Giants' quarterback situation is intriguing, it presents several logistical and strategic challenges. The idea of signing Sam Darnold has merit, given his recent success and potential for further growth. However, the long-term plan of waiting for Arch Manning is fraught with uncertainties and potential missed opportunities.

The Giants' front office, led by Joe Shane and Brian Daboll, must weigh the immediate need for quarterback improvement against the long-term stability of the franchise. Signing Darnold could provide a short-term solution, but it may not solve the team's quarterback issues in the long run.

Ultimately, the Giants' quarterback strategy should remain flexible and responsive to the evolving NFL landscape. Whether through free agency, trades, or the draft, the team needs to find a solution that balances immediate competitiveness with long-term success. As the offseason progresses, Giants fans will be eagerly watching to see how the team addresses this crucial position.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7ftEDDumP0