Eli Manning's Extension Keeps Giants' Window Open to Win Now, Find Future QB

An NFL general manager can't hide from risk, seeing it as a sworn enemy. But, ideally, potential danger should be embraced with long-term security still central to a franchise's construction.

That's the basis of a risk-management safety net, which was the mission ahead for New York Giants GM Jerry Reese throughout his contract extension negotiations with quarterback Eli Manning.

He had to satisfy Manning’s quite rightful desire for a deal that fell in line with the current market. When that number was agreed upon, he would be purchasing an established passer for several additional seasons and ensuring Manning stayed with the Giants until his career ends.

As Manning explained, New York is where he plans to finish his career, and the no-trade clause in the deal virtually assures that.

"I'm obviously excited knowing I'll be a Giant for a long time," he told Michael Eisen of Giants.com. "This is where I got started and where I want to finish. I still have the same mentality. My goal is to earn this contract and do my best and keep trying to win championships for the Giants."

Reese was also buying something perhaps even more valuable: time.

When the two sides agreed upon an extension at a value of $84 million in new money over the next four seasons, as NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport first reported Friday, it gave the Giants the gift of prolonged hope.

Manning certainly has his flaws, but he’s a three-time Pro Bowl quarterback who’s spearheaded the offense of two Super Bowl winning teams. Including the final season of his expiring contract, he’s now retained for five years at a cost of $101.5 million. That’s five more years to search for his successor and a new quarterback to act as an offensive cornerstone.

And five more years to postpone a possible rebuild.

Finding a new franchise quarterback is the most difficult assignment for any general manager. Just look to the other football team in New York. The Jets were preparing to have Geno Smith as their opening-day starter before IK Enemkpali broke his jaw. Though Smith had shown flashes of potential, his career completion percentage rested at a mediocre 57.5 over two seasons.

When you keep looking around, the motivation to pay Manning grows from an obvious decision to an urge to empty many bank accounts.

The Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans enter Week 1 with journeyman placeholders set to spray footballs (Josh McCown and Brian Hoyer, respectively). The Buffalo Bills are hoping a quarterback who has attempted 35 regular-season passes can be their savior (Tyrod Taylor). Even Rex Grossman found brief employment with the Atlanta Falcons during training camp.

That’s the quarterback crapshoot and/or wasteland the Giants will have to dive into some day. For now, though, they’re still safely in the hands of a veteran who has reliably trotted onto the field every Sunday (or Thursday or Monday) since 2004.

Manning provides the Giants with a warm, fuzzy security blanket. He’ll be paired with young wide receiver stud Odell Beckham Jr. for up to the next half-decade. Beckham’s presence alone could slow Manning’s inevitable age-induced decline, as a receiver who can create separation regularly while also compiling yards after the catch eases the burden on an aging quarterback.

But there is still inherent risk tied to giving Manning $65 million in guaranteed money. Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News shared the details of that NFL record-tying total, also noting Manning received a no-trade clause and that he’ll be paid $68.5 million over the next three years.

Much of that will come in the form of a mountainous signing bonus designed to provide salary-cap relief.

The concern as all that money piles up lies with Manning's recent dark and dreary past.

Both Manning and the Giants offense as a whole made significant strides in 2014 under new coordinator Ben McAdoo. After struggling early, the team took a significant step forward as the season progressed, with dramatic improvements in several core offensive categories. That included overall yards per game (307.5 in 2013 to 367.2 in 2014) and passing yards per game (224.25 in 2013 to 267.0 in 2014).

But the optimism fueled by quick success doesn’t erase Manning's career history that's dotted with interceptions. Excluding his rookie year, he’s completed 10 full seasons as the Giants’ starting quarterback. Of those seasons, three have ended with 20-plus interceptions, which includes especially pick-riddled years in 2013 (27) and 2010 (25).

Looking back on Manning's total interception damage over the past five seasons isn't a pleasant experience.

Quarterback	Attempts	Interceptions
Eli Manning	2,816	97
Drew Brees	3,294	84
Philip Rivers	2,764	77
Carson Palmer	2,275	75
Ryan Fitzpatrick	2,177	74

Despite attempting 478 fewer passes than Drew Brees during that period, Manning still chucked 13 more interceptions than the Saints quarterback.

That’s why some fear still hovers around Manning going forward. Will the principles and structure of McAdoo’s offense keep churning out yards, points and, consequently, wins? And will Manning’s comfort in said offense help him age gracefully? Or will the Manning of 2013 re-emerge to bake many not-so-delicious turnovers once again?

But the risk that you’re familiar with is always far less daunting than the unknown. And for the Giants, the unknown is now five years away.