New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning expected to start under center for Big Blue in his 16th season in 2019.
It certainly looks like the New York Giants will deploy their long-time quarterback under center once again in 2019.
According to a report from ESPN’s Jordan Raanan, Giants QB Eli Manning will once again be the starter next season for Big Blue.
After another disappointing season, many thought this would be the end of the road for the long-time Giants quarterback. However, Giants GM Dave Gettleman let it be known that that may not be the case.
“My commitment is to make this team the best team it can be, and if that happens to have Eli playing quarterback, it does,” Gettleman said after the conclusion of the regular season.
Now, Raanan believes Gettleman with that latter statement.
“All indications are it’s heading in that direction,” writes Raanan. “Manning has been in the building working out since season’s end. Surely there has been some communication with Gettleman, and several people close to the quarterback have received no indication Manning’s time with the Giants is about to end.”
There are a couple of different directions the Giants could go about with what happens in 2020 and beyond. They could look for Manning’s successor in the NFL Draft in April or could begin looking at free agent quarterbacks.
These veterans range from guys such as Case Keenum to possibly Nick Foles if the Eagles don’t tag him. However, the draft may be more suitable for the Giants’ situation.
“There are strong indications the Giants appear intent on finding their franchise quarterback in the draft — whether it be this year or next — rather than via free agency,” writes Raanan. “That increases the possibility Manning will return for another season alongside a high draft pick; New York holds the No. 6 selection in April.”
The Giants could very well find their quarterback of the future in this year’s NFL Draft. They could select Ohio State QB Dwayne Haskins or even Duke QB Daniel Jones with the No. 6 pick. Either of those quarterbacks could then sit for a year and learn behind Manning.
It worked for the Chiefs and Pat Mahomes. Why can’t it work here?
All-in-all, Eli should be the starter in 2019. However, we won’t officially know until March 17. That marks the date when Eli is owed his $5 million roster bonus. By then, we’ll officially know what the Giants will do with their long-time franchise quarterback.
