Insiders saying Haslam down deep still wants Manning.
If true, then this gets really easy.
Start Sanders. If he sucks, then “move heaven and earth” for Arch Manning.
Also, if there is a kernel of truth to Haslam wanting Manning, there’s no way we trade future assets for a QB this year.
Of course, if you reeeally want to tank:
1) Keep Stefanski
2) Trade Sanders for picks
3) Let all the free agents walk to help the comp draft pick formula and thus strengthen our draft capital.
4) Start Dillon Gabriel
5) Claim “we like the guys we have” for the OL.
Yesh, I want Manning too. Although, if I were to do that, I have a formula for that.
1) Keep Stefanski
2) Don't even need to trade Sanders, he's not a winner at the NFL level, although for my method I would trade him
3) Definitely do that
4) See #2
5) OL don't win games, but there's a method to this!
Let's get into it.
If you're going to pull a Jim Irsay and tank for Arch Manning, here's how you do this. First step is yeah, keep our shitty HC and ensure we keep Schwartz at all costs.
Secondly, THIS draft. Trade back. Specifically, trade back for picks next year. Do everything you can to acquire multiple 1sts in 2027. At least get another 1st and multiple 2nd and 3rd rounders. What you're going to do, though, is trade out of round 1 completely this year. Stockpile next years picks as well as a shit load of mid round picks this year in rounds 2-5.
Now, draft OL. Lots of them. Draft WR. Lots of them. Draft another RB. This year is all about securing the cockpit for Manning. Draft solid OL and a bunch of high ceiling skill players. It generally takes two seasons for them to get up to speed.
What you'll want to do is give a mandate, this season is all about coaching these guys up. The focus is on developing the WR's into running perfect routes and letting the game slow down for them. Same with OL. Maybe even mix it up where some rookie OL are flanked by solid Vets focused on teaching them with several other rookies riding the pine for years one, focused solely on practicing and getting better and better. You'll want the OL to be good, but not TOO good.
At RB I would IR Judkins so he ran recuperate fully from his injury. Let w couple not as good RB's hold down the fort, splitting time with a rookie.
Which then brings us to QB. Trade Sanders. Cut DeRapist. Sign a Journeyman QB. We need a guy with experience to be the on field coach to the WR's and OL. We had that with Flacco but Shabbaz Al-Berry got that itch of couldn't have a White QB on the roster all year and traded him. That's who and what we need, though.
Let every single FA walk.
Let the season tank and walk into 2027 with the #1 pick for Manning, numerous quality picks to round off the roster, lots of salary cap space, a top two Defense and a team right on the edge of greatness. This will attract the best HC prospects as well as GM prospects. Retool the FO and Coaching staff, draft Manning, sign a couple of All Pro's, finish off the roster with your other draft picks. Add the finishing touches, so to speak.