Giants legend Victor Cruz asks Arch Manning’s big question as franchise prepares for quarterback search

The Daniel Jones Era in East Rutherford, New Jersey, has officially come to an end, as the New York Giants benched their quarterback in hopes of getting out of his contract following the tumultuous 2024 season.

Head coach Brian Daboll confirmed reports that Jones has been moved to third string and Tommy DeVito, who has been at that position all season, has been named the starting quarterback. DeVito won three games as a starter last season with Jones and Tyrod Taylor both injured.

But DeVito may not be the future at quarterback for the Giants, despite being a fan favorite. That leaves Daboll, general manager Joe Schoen and the rest of the organization scrambling back to the war room to figure out the age-old question of any NFL team: Where can we find a franchise player?

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There are several schools of thought, but Giants legend Victor Cruz has another question to answer at the right time.

How badly the Giants want Arch Manning – the nephew of the man who used to throw Cruz’s passes that led to his salsa touchdown celebrations, Eli Manning.

“Well, it’s interesting, isn’t it? I’ve already done a little bit of deep thinking on this,” Cruz told Fox News Digital about the Giants’ quarterback situation, while also discussing his partnership with Captain Morgan. “So, the question is, if I’m the Giants GM, if I’m John Mara, if I’m those top guys, do I want Arch Manning?”

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Arch is a sophomore in the Texas Longhorns football program, but has yet to become a starter with Quinn Ewers running Steve Sarkisian’s offense for the past two seasons, including 2024.

However, the expectation is that Arch will take his place as Manning’s next great player in the NFL at quarterback, and he has shown flashes of what he can do this season when he has to take over for the injured Ewers.

So, while some Giants fans will expect the rookie quarterback to be selected with the top pick — the Giants currently hold the fourth pick if the season ends today — Cruz thinks that’s the question that needs to be answered first before the next one follows. the giant quarterback of the Giants.

Former New York Giants Victor Cruz talks to fans at MetLife Stadium, November 26, 2023. (MAGN)

“Is it something where we have a layoff year, where we just draft talent, draft guys, build our roster? And then the next year, you have to do everything you can to get Arch Manning,” he explained. “Trade, trade, trade left, trade right. You’ve got to figure out how to get Arch Manning, if that’s what you want, because he’s going to put his butt on the seats, he’s going to have a Manning aura around him, obviously. New York fans know it and they love it.

“Is it a year to stop, and we’re going to get Arch, or Shedeur [Sanders] or Cam Ward, I like both of those guys, and I wouldn’t be upset if those guys were wearing blue next season as well?”

Sanders, the son of Deion Sanders, has been a light for the Colorado Buffaloes, while Miami’s Cam Ward has consistently led his team to victory even in the face of adversity, a quality Cruz likes to see in a quarterback.

Those two are expected to be among the top quarterbacks taken in the 2025 Draft, and Arch won’t be able to announce until next year. Ewers will be out of Texas again this year, making Arch the only starter in Austin, where many believe his draft stock as a top player will be bolstered.

Arch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns scrambles in the third quarter against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Tim Warner/Getty Images)

“I think he’s a football player, too,” Cruz said of Arch. “I think he’s faster than any Manning we’ve seen so far. We can throw, he’s got that thing about him, and I think he’s a great player.”

There is no doubt that the Giants’ quarterback room will be very different in 2025, but the organization must figure out what the right moves are in terms of filling it. Giving Arch a chance to follow in his uncle’s footsteps could mean having another down season to get a high draft pick, or trading a bunch of other picks to move up a chance to take him.

And what would mean Arch doesn’t sit out his senior season in 2026, opting to go public in 2027?

Barring that possibility, do the Giants just use the top pick they’re expected to have this year to grab a rookie quarterback, maybe bring in a veteran, and hopefully compete again in 2025?

It’s hardly a thought any team wants to have going into Week 12 of the season, but at 2-8 following the bye week, and Jones’ test that led to his benching, the Giants have to think about what to do next with a few games left on the slate.

Victor Cruz believes the Giants have a big question Arch Manning needs to answer about their quarterback of the future. (MAGN)

FIRST DINING WITH CAPTAIN MORGAN

While Cruz tried to answer the Giants’ quarterback question, he was also excited about his latest collaboration with Captain Morgan, especially what he and fashion designer KidSuper cooked up as part of the captain’s “Follow the Captain” hunt.

Cruz shared how much fun he had creating a crewneck sweater with KidSuper that pays homage to his trademark dance.

“Our players are ending with me, Captain Morgan, KidSuper. [The crewnecks] it definitely embodies my style, like my swagger, I got a little salsa love there too,” Cruz said. “I’m definitely excited about this one, not just for people to go out there and see it and wear it and buy it. , but to be part of a group. I think finding this group makes you part of the group, part of the group. So, when you see me out there, and you’re rocking your team, and I’m rocking mine, it just brings you together and brings that team atmosphere together.”

Victor Cruz wears a Captain Morgan crewneck sweater, which he helped create in collaboration with fashion designer KidSuper (Captain Morgan)

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The staff drops off at KidSuper.com, but once they sell there, fans can head over to FollowTheCaptain.com for a chance to win merchandise, NFL tickets and more as part of a scavenger hunt.

“Captain Morgan, they just like to have fun. They like to prey on the poor, they like to do things for their fans. Not just to make it easy for the fans, but to make it fun and exciting.”

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