New York Giants Make Smart Call Not Extending Eli Manning

By Luis Tirado Jr. | Mar 25, 2015

Quarterback Eli Manning and the current status of what his future is with the New York Giants has been a hot debate these past few days. It appears that the Giants are fine having Manning head into next season playing out the final year of his six-year contract he signed back in 2009. Could it be the writing on the wall that if Manning has another sub-par season, his time with the Giants might be coming to an end?

According to Dan Graziano of ESPN, both sides are not near any kind of agreement to extend Manning at this point in time. With quarterback Ben Roethlisberger getting his rightful contract extension by the Pittsburgh Steelers to pretty much have him retire as a member of their organization, many are wondering what exactly the Giants are waiting for.

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The problem in my opinion is too many times people are enamored by a player and their past. Of course I highly respect Manning since he was a catalyst in not one but two Super Bowl championship seasons but unfortunately in the NFL, it’s not what you did in the past but what you’re doing as of late.

When it comes to his performance as a whole, one never knows what version of Manning you will get. Sometimes he has shown signs of being brilliant and other times, he just comes off as absolutely abysmal. Don’t let last season fool you, while it was one of the best seasons of his career, Manning hasn’t been overall consistent in getting the job done.

The Giants always look at the whole picture before deciding what to do when it comes to contract extensions. It’s the same situation with defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, they knew he wasn’t really consistent as a whole and before agreeing with him long term, they franchise tagged him.

This move enables Pierre-Paul to get paid some serious money for next season while also giving him one more opportunity to prove his worth and pretty much earn his next contract. If he has a monster season, he’ll get it. If not, he won’t be part of the long-term plans for the Giants at the end of next season.

It wouldn’t surprise me either if they let Manning play out the rest of this season as a “lame duck” and then if an agreement still can’t be reached, the same fate will hit him as Pierre-Paul as he’ll probably get franchise tagged in 2016.

The truth of the matter is, the Giants need a long-term solution at the position and with Manning, he might not be the best option at quarterback for the next five years or so. The Giants might want to give him a moderate two or three year deal as I’m sure Manning and his agent will absolutely want something longer and for top dollar.

Regardless of what impact a player has with the Giants, they never shell out the big bucks or agree long term just because of their past. It’s a harsh reality but at the end of the day, it’s all business and nothing personal. What Manning does this upcoming season will determine if he will be a part of their long-term plans at quarterback.

Dec 7, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit:

Jim Brown

-USA TODAY Sports

It also wouldn’t surprise me that if Manning has a bad season next year, he could very well test the free agency market. I’m quite sure a few teams will be interested but unlike his brother Peyton, it’s not like he will have a tour of the country shopping his services around to half the league.

The general consensus on Manning is he comes through in clutch situations in the most amazing of ways. Sadly, ever since his championship season of 2011, he’s been regressing to the point that even the Giants are wondering if he’s truly worth investing in for the next five years or so.

Overall, the Giants made a smart call not extending Manning this offseason to really see what he can do in 2015. Manning always comes through when he’s pressured and if it’s any indication, he will either put up one of his best seasons ever or unfortunately, face the harsh reality that his tenure with the Giants might be coming to an end since he simply isn’t getting the job done efficiently anymore.

Next: New York Giants Reluctant To Extend Eli Manning's Contract?

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