Ralph Vacchiano of SNY reports that there’s still a chance that Eli Manning could return to the Giants in 2019, possibly even as their starter.
A team source tells Vacchiano that a decision regarding Manning’s has “absolutely not” been made and management is open to the idea of another year with Manning.
Vacchiano’s source explained that the biggest reason why Manning could return next year is: “Who’s going to replace him?”
Manning has one year remaining on his contract and stands to make a base salary of $11.5 million to go along with a $5 million roster bonus due in March. He’ll carry a cap figure of $23 million, which is pretty high for the kind of play they got from him this season.
As of now, the Giants have fourth-round pick Kyle Lauletta and they’re hoping to get a look at him before the end of the season. The Giants are also in position to have a top-five pick next year and there has been a lot of speculation about them being a possible landing spot for Oregon QB Justin Herbert.
Although, there’s still plenty to be sorted out in terms of who will be available in next year’s draft and where the Giants will be selecting.
According to Vacchiano, those who know Manning best don’t think he’ll consider retiring next year if the Giants are willing to commit to him being their starter.
The idea of playing for the Jaguars has come up in recent years, given Manning’s ties to Tom Coughlin. However, Vacchiano says that most people believe Manning doesn’t want to leave the Giants or the New York area under any circumstances.
Manning, 37, is a former first-round pick of the Chargers back in 2004. He was traded to the Giants during the draft and has spent all 14 years of his career in New York.
Manning is in the fourth year of his five-year, $101.5 million contract that included $65 million guaranteed and stands to make base salaries of $10.5 million and $11.5 million over the final two years of the agreement.
In 2018, Manning has appeared in 11 games for the Giants and thrown for 3,093 yards while completing 69.1 percent of his passes to go along with 14 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.
We’ll have more regarding Manning’s future with the Giants as the news is available.
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First of all, Manning is going nowhere! Believe it! Like I mentioned in previous posts on this site. Mara will convince Gettleman to create a new 2 yr. deal with a low $$$$$ 3rd yr. option. This will greatly decrease the cap hit of Manning’s current contract hit for 2019. Although Mara definitely wants to give Manning a brand spank’in new 5 yr. deal worth Aaron Rodgers’ money.
Second of all, there is no blue chip QB prospect in the 2019 draft class. Herbert, Grier, Minshew, Finley, etc. are worthy of 3rd to 5th round picks nothing earlier. So, the best bet would be to fix the o-line, DE, FS and LB issues. The GMEN also need to recoup a 3rd round pick for 2019. Considering they used their original one to take CB Sam Beal in the this year’s NFLSD. My guess is Engram, Vernon or Jenkins will be used for that purpose.
Personally, I would check in with the Titans and Raiders on the availability of Mariota and Carr. What it would take to nab one of them as the future QB. Carr would probably cost less (pick/s) because of his current contract. Mariota won’t cost a 1st rounder because of past injuries to Mariota. Although GMEN Brass will probably lean towards a Case Keenum/Shurmur reunion.
But rest assured #10 will be “manning the helm” at QB in 2019 and beyond for at least the next 2 to possibly 3 years.