New York Giants: 2019 Is Eli Manning’s Last Season And He Knows It

Dec 23, 2018; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) reacts after throwing a interception to Indianapolis Colts free safety Malik Hooker (not pictured) during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar via USA TODAY NETWORK

Probability would say that the New York Giants are going to select a quarterback in the 2019 NFL draft; whether it be Dwayne Haskins, Kyler Murray, or Daniel Jones still remains to be seen. Veteran signal-caller Eli Manning was the starter in 2018 and is expected to remain so in the season ahead.

A strategic plan for Manning:

If the Giants want to get the most out of Manning they must lower his cap hit and guarantee him the starting job in 2019. Negotiations have to start with a playoff caliber team, and opening up cap space to address certain issues will be prioritized. Eli is scheduled to earn $17 million this season – includes $11.5 million base salary, a $5 million roster bonus, and a $500,000 workout bonus. His salary will cripple the Giants in free agency essentially.

If his compensation can be lowered to the $12-15 million range, the Giants can theoretically go out and sign a quality right tackle to solidify the offensive line and provide Manning with the time he needs.

After watching Eli over the years, it’s quite obvious that he needs plenty of time to operate his offense properly, and in his elderly age, it will be no different.

Providing him with the resources to do so is a priority this offseason, and with running back Saquon Barkley and star wide-out Odell Beckham Jr. he will certainly have the fire-power to play at a high level.

This is most likely Manning’s final season on the New York Giants:

If the Giants manage to draft a quarterback with the No. 6 overall pick, it will indicate Manning’s departure in 2020. It’s expected that this will be his final season in the NFL, or at least on the Giants. The idea would be for the veteran to teach a first-round rookie and have him be the successor. Of course, this would imply that Manning would retire after this season, and he has to know that his days are limited.