opcorn2The New York Giants want to sign Eli Manning to contract extension before the start of the season. Unfortunately, Manning and the Giants remain at odds. On the heels of Philip Rivers? four-year, $65 million guaranteed, Manning is looking for something bigger.
According to a report on NFL.com, Manning wants to be the highest-paid player in the NFL. This should come as a surprise to no one. I would also like to be the highest-paid player in the NFL. You probably would, too. But wanting to be a $65 millionaire and having the bargaining ability to be a $65 millionaire are two different things.
Manning is coming off a season where he finished with the sixth-most passing yards and ninth-most touchdowns of any quarterback. He also finished in the top 10 for most interceptions thrown during the Giants 6-10 season. New York has gone 13-19 the past two years, after consecutive 9-7 years, which included a Super Bowl in 2011.
Time is on Manning?s side, too. Should the Giants decide to use the franchise tag on him in 2016, he would make $25 million. Next year, Andrew Luck will get his new contract as well, meaning the price of competent quarterbacks will only continue to rise. It?s in the Giants? best interests to lock him up now.
When all is said and done, Manning is going to get an absurd amount of money. It?ll probably set a record on paper, and be more than he is actually worth. But it will also be worth it. Consistent quarterbacks are scarce. Just ask Jay Gruden.
