Back Off Folks, Eli Manning's Deal Based on Future Performance

Yes, the contract extension the Giants gave QB Eli Manning yesterday can make him the highest paid player in the NFL. Emphasis on CAN.

Only $35 million of the $97 million is guaranteed. That means Eli just signed an incentive-laden deal.  This is not a reward. He cannot just sit back on his laurels as many athletes in other sports do after inking big deals.

He still has to go out and EARN IT.

If he doesn't, he will not see the back end of that contract. Trust me. If he goes south, the Giants will stop payment on the majority of the deal by cutting him.

The Giants are not dumb. Franchise QBs are the perhaps the hardest element to obtain when assembling a football team. They had one in their fold, and they decided to keep him.

As for the terms, it just so happens it was his turn to get paid. The Giants went high. The market will catch up very soon, just watch. Next season it will be someone else's turn to get lambasted for signing such a deal.

So back off the "highest-paid player" thing. If he doesn't perform, he's out.

This is still New York.

As for him not being deserving, you gotta be high. How many QBs have led their team to the playoffs the past four seasons?

Only one. Eli Manning. Isn't winning what counts?

So, please go back to to nether regions from whence you came and stop lame Eli-bashing. He's been successful and will continue to be successful.

And now he will be richer for it. Don't get jealous because either you hate the Giants or Manning.

Go get your own QB and have him take you places, then you can pay him like the Giants just paid theirs...

John Fennelly is the publisher / founder of blogNYG.com —the fastest-growing, fan-based blog in New York sports.