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Derek Carr Retirement Prompts Strong Arch Manning Take from NFL Analyst

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeremy Beren | Last updated May 10, 2025 3:01 PM ET

The New Orleans Saints have a quarterback conundrum for 2025. Incumbent starter Derek Carr was unlikely to play next season due to a shoulder injury, but the four-time Pro Bowler on Saturday announced his retirement from the NFL.

The move frees up significant cap space in New Orleans, but it does little for the Saints' 2025 prospects on paper. As of now, first-year head coach Kellen Moore is expected to choose between Jake Haener, Spencer Rattler or Tyler Shough as the next starting signal-caller.

Perhaps that is why NFL analyst Emmanuel Acho is already workshopping "taglines" for the Saints' 2025 season, if New Orleans struggles as most expect.

“Canning for Manning”

“Parch for Arch”

“Planning for Manning”

… hmmm, something will stick. https://t.co/0v13cHgEer
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) May 10, 2025

Acho on Saturday took to X to declare that the Saints are set to "parch for Arch," or will be "planning for Manning" amid speculation that New Orleans wants to select Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The connection between Arch Manning and the Saints can be traced back to the 1971 NFL Draft, when New Orleans selected Arch's grandfather Archie Manning with the second overall pick. Archie played for the Saints between 1971 and 1982, and he remains the only quarterback that New Orleans has picked in the first round.

Arch Manning will enter the 2025 NCAA football season as the Texas Longhorns' starting quarterback -- and as the nephew of former NFL stars Eli and Peyton Manning, much is expected of the 21-year-old as he assumes one of the most demanding jobs in college football.

A dynamic threat with his speed and his strong right arm, Arch Manning is widely expected to be a top draft pick whenever he declares. However, Saints fans may have to wait until 2027 to get their Arch jerseys, as Manning is considered likely to exhaust his NCAA eligibility before moving on to the NFL.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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