Eli Manning makes it crystal clear what Giants must find in next QB

The New York Giants are back in the quarterback market—again. After a disastrous 2024 season and an ugly divorce from Daniel Jones, the team is set to draft another hopeful franchise savior in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.

But this time, Giants legend Eli Manning has made it clear what they need to look for.

Speaking on the Up & Adams show, Manning outlined four key traits he believes are non-negotiable in a quarterback: progressing through reads, getting the ball out on time, throwing before receivers come out of their breaks, and avoiding unnecessary sacks. In other words, all the things the past couple of quarterbacks have struggled with.

Manning’s words should hit home for Giants fans. The team has spent years watching poor quarterback play while simultaneously making excuses about offensive line play and/or lack of weapons. But the tape doesn’t lie. If a quarterback isn’t doing any and all of these four things, he’s not the answer. Period.

Eli’s blueprint for Giants: No more excuses at QB

Manning isn’t talking about rocket arms, elite physical tools, hand size, or highlight-reel plays. He’s focused on the fundamentals—things that separate functional quarterbacks from guys who make Sundays unwatchable. The Giants have been burned before by ignoring these details, and they can’t afford to do it again.

Let’s break it down:

1. Progressing Through Reads – Manning wants to see a quarterback who doesn’t lock onto his first option. If the play calls for a checkdown, he should take it. If the deep shot is there, he should find it. Staring down receivers leads to interceptions, and we’ve seen enough of those at MetLife.
2. Getting the Ball Out on Time – The Giants' offensive line hasn’t been good, but a quarterback who holds onto the ball too long makes it worse. Timing is everything in the NFL, and a quarterback who can’t operate on schedule will kill an offense.
3. Throwing with Anticipation – This one is huge. The best quarterbacks throw to a spot, trusting their receiver will be there. If a QB waits until a receiver is already open, it’s too late. Manning did this for 16 years, and it’s something the next guy must be able to do.
4. Avoiding Unnecessary Sacks – Some sacks are inevitable, but some are the quarterback’s fault. Holding the ball, failing to step up in the pocket, or running into pressure—these mistakes can turn a manageable third down into a drive-killer.

The Giants are reportedly high on Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Miami’s Cam Ward, but no matter who they pick, he needs to check all four of Manning’s boxes. If not, we’ll be having this same conversation in three years.

For once, the Giants need to get this right. Eli Manning just gave them the roadmap—now let’s see if they follow it.

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