The Dallas Cowboys, with their rich history, passionate fanbase, and a history of seeking high-profile players, have always been a team under intense scrutiny. As one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, their decisions are often the subject of national discussion. Recently, a new name has been surfacing in the rumors surrounding the Cowboys’ future: Arch Manning, the highly-touted quarterback prospect from the legendary Manning family. The question is: Could the Dallas Cowboys realistically target Arch Manning?
Arch Manning, the grandson of Archie Manning and nephew of legendary quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning, is perhaps the most hyped quarterback prospect since Trevor Lawrence in 2021. Manning’s decision to play at the University of Texas only heightened interest in his future, as NFL fans eagerly await his path to the professional ranks. Given the state of the Cowboys’ quarterback position, the idea of targeting Manning could become a hot topic in the coming years. But would it be realistic for the Cowboys to pursue a young quarterback like Manning? To answer that question, we need to dive into several key factors, including the Cowboys’ current quarterback situation, the team’s future plans, Manning’s career trajectory, and the broader landscape of the NFL draft.
The Dallas Cowboys’ Current Quarterback Situation
As of 2025, Dak Prescott is the face of the Cowboys’ offense. Prescott, who has been with the Cowboys since 2016, signed a four-year, $160 million contract extension in 2021. Despite the money and high expectations, Prescott’s tenure as the Cowboys’ quarterback has been a mixed bag. Prescott has been to the playoffs multiple times and has put up impressive statistics, including several 4,000-yard passing seasons, yet the Cowboys have consistently fallen short of Super Bowl glory. The team’s inability to get over the hump has left fans frustrated, and calls for improvement have become a regular refrain.
Though Prescott is a solid starting quarterback, the Cowboys’ playoff aspirations may force them to reevaluate their future. Prescott’s inconsistency in big games, including his underperformance in the postseason, has led many to question whether he’s the long-term solution for the franchise. While Prescott is not a bad quarterback by any means, there are times when his limitations have been exposed, especially when it comes to big games against tough opponents. The Cowboys’ front office has to ask themselves whether Prescott can lead them to a Super Bowl in the future or if they should explore alternatives.
Looking ahead, Prescott’s contract has two years left, but there’s a potential out after the 2024 season. The Cowboys have options for restructuring, trading, or releasing Prescott if they feel the need to go in a different direction. This sets the stage for a future where the team might look for a new quarterback to lead them into the next era.
The Manning Legacy and Arch’s Journey
Before diving deeper into the question of whether the Cowboys might target Arch Manning, it’s crucial to understand his background and trajectory. Arch Manning hails from one of the most famous football families in the country. His grandfather, Archie Manning, was a respected NFL quarterback who played for the New Orleans Saints. His uncles, Peyton and Eli Manning, are two of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history, both having won multiple Super Bowls and earned spots in the Hall of Fame. The Manning name is synonymous with success, and the expectations for Arch are extremely high.
Arch Manning attended Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, where he dominated at quarterback. His high school career included multiple state championships and eye-popping stats. His poise, football IQ, and mechanics have drawn comparisons to his uncles, and some even view him as the most talented Manning to come out of high school. Manning has the tools to succeed in the NFL: excellent arm strength, accuracy, and the ability to read defenses like a seasoned pro.
In 2023, Manning made the highly anticipated decision to commit to the University of Texas, where he would join one of the nation’s most prominent college programs. Manning’s presence at Texas has generated immense buzz, not only because of his talent but also because of the legacy he represents. Given the stature of the Manning family, all eyes are on Arch to see if he can live up to the family’s football legacy.
Manning’s college career is still in its early stages, but there is no doubt that he has the potential to be a high-draft pick when he eventually declares for the NFL. As of 2025, Manning’s development at Texas will be under close scrutiny, and he will have the chance to showcase his skills against top-tier college competition. If he performs as expected, Manning could very well be one of the top quarterbacks in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Why the Dallas Cowboys Could Be Interested in Arch Manning
So, why might the Cowboys target Arch Manning? There are several factors that could make Manning an attractive option for Dallas down the line.
1. The Need for a Franchise Quarterback
The Cowboys’ most pressing need in the future may be finding a true franchise quarterback. While Dak Prescott has had a solid career, the Cowboys have not been able to consistently contend for a Super Bowl with him under center. Quarterback play is the most important position in the NFL, and the Cowboys, with their championship aspirations, may be looking for a quarterback who can elevate their play in big games.
If the Cowboys decide that Prescott is not their long-term solution, they will likely look to the draft for a young quarterback who has the potential to be a franchise player. Given Manning’s status as one of the top quarterback prospects, he fits the mold of a player the Cowboys could target. With a strong supporting cast on both offense and defense, Dallas could afford to take their time developing a young quarterback, and Manning would benefit from the team’s competitive environment.
2. The Manning Legacy
Arch Manning is not just any quarterback—he’s the grandson of Archie Manning and the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning. His pedigree alone makes him a generational talent in the eyes of many. The Cowboys, known for their brand and media presence, could find it appealing to have a Manning under center. The Manning family has been synonymous with NFL success, and having Arch on the Cowboys could re-energize the franchise and capture the attention of millions of fans.
Dallas is a team that thrives on its high profile and marketability. Bringing in a quarterback like Manning, who has the potential to be a household name, would generate massive media attention and could help revitalize the Cowboys’ brand both on and off the field.
3. The Future of the Cowboys’ Roster
The Dallas Cowboys are a team that has championship aspirations. Their roster is loaded with talent, particularly on defense with stars like Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs. Offensively, they have playmakers like CeeDee Lamb and Tony Pollard, making them a competitive team year in and year out. If the Cowboys were to part ways with Dak Prescott, they would be in a position to develop a young quarterback in a well-established system. This would allow Manning to step into a situation where he could focus on his development without the pressure of having to immediately carry the team on his shoulders.
The presence of a strong supporting cast would make the Cowboys an ideal team for a young quarterback like Manning to thrive in. The team could afford to let Manning sit for a year or two, much like they did with Romo after drafting him, before ultimately giving him the starting role.
Challenges to the Cowboys Targeting Arch Manning
Despite the obvious allure, there are several challenges that could make it difficult for the Cowboys to land Arch Manning.
1. Competition for Manning’s Services
Arch Manning is likely to be one of the top picks in the 2027 NFL Draft. As such, the competition for his services will be fierce. Teams with lower-tier quarterbacks, or those that are in a rebuilding phase, will have a strong incentive to target Manning. While the Cowboys may be in the mix, they might face significant competition from other teams, including those in bigger media markets or with more pressing quarterback needs.
Given that Manning is expected to be a high draft pick, the Cowboys may not have the draft capital to secure him unless they are willing to part with future picks or move up significantly in the draft. The trade market, in general, will be competitive, and other teams may have a greater need for a quarterback, giving them the upper hand in negotiations.
2. Dak Prescott’s Performance
One of the primary reasons the Cowboys could target Arch Manning is the potential departure of Dak Prescott. However, Prescott has the ability to perform at a high level, and if he continues to play well, there may be no immediate need for the Cowboys to move on from him. Prescott’s contract has a hefty cap hit, and releasing or trading him could be a difficult financial decision. If Prescott stays healthy and performs well, the Cowboys may stick with him for the long haul, potentially removing the need for a quarterback like Manning.
3. Manning’s College Development
Another factor that could impact the Cowboys’ pursuit of Manning is how he develops in college. While Manning has a lot of raw talent, college football is a different beast than the NFL. If Manning struggles at Texas or fails to meet the high expectations set for him, it could affect his draft stock. The Cowboys may hesitate to target Manning if he doesn’t perform as expected at the college level, preferring to look at other quarterback prospects who have proven themselves in the NCAA.