Robert Griffin III set social media ablaze on Tuesday after publicly questioning the direction of one of the NFL’s most confusing franchises.
Reacting to news that Daniel Jones will open the 2025 NFL season as the Indianapolis Colts starter, Griffin theorized that this decision is less about winning games and more about positioning for a generational college quarterback prospect currently drawing enormous hype.
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The former Heisman Trophy winner tweeted, “I’m convinced that the Indianapolis Colts are trying to tank for Arch Manning.”
It added fuel to a growing belief that the organization may be punting on the present with eyes on the 2026 NFL Draft and a potential path to Manning.
Colts Signal Shift With Daniel Jones Over Anthony Richardson
The Colts surprised league insiders this offseason when they signed Jones to a one-year, $14 million contract after the New York Giants moved off the former first-round pick.
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Despite inconsistency in New York, Jones arrived touted for his athleticism, mobility, and perceived fit in Shane Steichen’s system.
He reportedly outplayed Anthony Richardson during spring workouts and training camp, earning the right to start Week 1. Richardson, entering his third season, failed to demonstrate sufficient accuracy or command of the offense to convince coaches that he was ready to seize the role for the long haul.
Griffin’s speculation about a manufactured collapse seems less far-fetched when you consider Indianapolis’ annual mediocrity. Tanking would be an uncomfortable scenario, but only temporary, which aligns with the front-office strategy of seeking to hit the reset button.
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Arch Manning’s Future Clouds Tanking Speculation
Arch Manning, Texas’ sophomore quarterback and nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, is widely considered the crown jewel of future draft classes for his size, arm talent and upside.
His grandfather, Archie Manning, however, recently suggested that Arch would remain at Texas indefinitely rather than leave early for the NFL draft.
Indianapolis has churned through six different starting quarterbacks since Andrew Luck’s retirement and has repeatedly failed to find long-term stability at the most vital position in sports.
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Assuming he declares for it, Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning could be the crown jewel in next year’s NFL draft.© Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Peyton Manning delivered transformative success to the city as the franchise cornerstone from 1998 to 2011. Banking on a similar trajectory with another Manning under center would explain a short-term willingness to lose games now as a calculated gamble for more permanent solutions later.
A slow start behind Jones, combined with Richardson’s uncertain future, could set the stage for a new era in Indianapolis—if Manning becomes available next spring.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the College section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.