Fresh off his first shutout loss since November of 2014, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning is seemingly looking to the future. His team is 2-13 on the season and is right up there with Cleveland as the biggest embarrassment in the NFL right now.
No one really knows what Manning’s future will look like and whether it might include remaining with the only NFL team he’s ever suited up for. That apparently also includes Manning, who had some rather interesting stuff to say on WFAN in New York Tuesday.
Asked whether he will be with the Giants next season, Manning wasn’t willing to commit. “I just don’t know, he said.
With that said, Manning also didn’t sound like a man that’s ready to call it quits on his career.
Eli Manning on @WFAN660: "My body feels good. I still feel strong and excited to play. I think I still have good football left in me.''
— Paul Schwartz (@NYPost_Schwartz) December 26, 2017
Eli Manning: "This is what I want to do, still play football. I don't have a backup plan.''
— Paul Schwartz (@NYPost_Schwartz) December 26, 2017
Manning was benched in favor of Geno Smith back in Week 13 by former head coach Ben McAdoo, who was fired in large part because of the way he handled the future Hall of Fame quarterback (more on that here).
Based on Manning’s comments Tuesday, it doesn’t seem like the decision to return to the Giants will ultimately be his to make.
“Mr. Mara and I have a good relationship. He’s been a wonderful owner, the Tisch’s, everybody. There’s no other team I want to play for. This is all I know,” Manning said.
In the end, Eli will consult with father, Archie, and brother, Peyton, in deciding what’s best for him moving forward. Then again, the Giants could very well make that decision for him.
In reality, it might just be time for this marriage to come to an end. Manning has been among the most successful quarterbacks, if not the most successful, in franchise history. While he still doesn’t think the Giants are far away from contention, common sense seems to dictate that couldn’t be further from the truth.
In an NFL landscape with multiple talented teams needing that veteran quarterback to toss the rock, Manning would be a highly sought-after quantity on the open market. If the decision is left up to him, this will surely play a role.
It’s something to watch as the Giants’ disastrous season comes to an end against Washington this upcoming Sunday.