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Hard Knocks Episode 3 Preseason
FILE - In this Oct. 28, 2018, file photo, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) talks with head coach Pat Shurmur during the second quarter of an NFL football game in East Rutherford, N.J. When things go sour, an NFL team's fan base often points to two people: the guy calling plays on the sideline, and the man behind center trying to execute them. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun, File)
FILE - In this Oct. 28, 2018, file photo, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) talks with head coach Pat Shurmur during the second quarter of an NFL football game in East Rutherford, N.J. When things go sour, an NFL team's fan base often points to two people: the guy calling plays on the sideline, and the man behind center trying to execute them. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun, File)Bill Kostroun/Associated Press

Pat Shurmur After Giants' Loss to Cowboys: 'I Believe in Eli Manning'

Joseph ZuckerDec 30, 2018

New York Giants head coach Pat Shurmur reiterated his desire for Eli Manning to return as the starting quarterback in 2019.

"I believe in him," Shurmur said of Manning after Sunday's 36-35 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, per 247Sports' Dan Schneier. "I believe in Eli Manning."

Shurmur also said he hopes to have all of his key playersā€”Manning includedā€”back for next year.

Earlier this month,Ā ShurmurĀ told reportersĀ he thought Manning had enough left in the tank to be a starting quarterback for multiple seasons going forward.

Giants wideout Odell Beckham Jr., who had beenĀ criticalĀ of Manning earlier this year,Ā said recentlyĀ he hoped to give his quarterback a third Super Bowl title, a sign he wants Manning back as well.

The 37-year-old is under contract for 2019 before he's eligible for free agency.Ā The Giants could cut bait this offseason if they wanted to go in a different direction at quarterback. According toĀ Over the Cap, they'd save $17 million while absorbing a $6.2 million salary-cap hit by either trading or waiving Manning.

Following Sunday's game, Manning finished 2018 with 4,299 passing yards, 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He entered Week 17 ranked 23rd among qualified quarterbacks inĀ DYARĀ (defense-adjusted yards above replacement), perĀ Football Outsiders.

Strong arguments could be made for both retaining and releasing Manning.

Since he only has one year left, the Giants can keep him on the roster while positioning his replacementā€”likely an early-round selection in the 2019 draftā€”to take over in 2020. The Kansas City Chiefs used a similar strategy with Alex Smith and PatrickĀ Mahomes.

New York may prefer to get the transition started right away, and the early success of BakerĀ MayfieldĀ and Lamar Jackson illustrates how rookie QBs can thrive in a starting role.

The fact bothĀ ShurmurĀ and Beckham have spoken positively about Manning would seemingly signal his return is likely. But the final decision ultimately rests in general manager Dave Gettleman's hands.

Hard Knocks Episode 3 Preseason