Giants Rumors: Manning, Vernon, Jenkins

Eli Manning is less-than-certain about his future with the Giants. In a radio interview this week, Manning expressed doubt that he’ll be under center for the G-Men in 2019, as Ryan Dunleavy of NJ.com writes.

I do. I do,” Manning said when asked if he wants to play again. “I love playing football. I like my teammates and the coaches we have.”

However, when Manning was asked if we have seen the last of him, the quarterback simply said, “We’ll see.”

Recently, Giants GM Dave Gettleman had a “very extensive” and “no holds barred” conversation with Manning about his future. It’s not hard to read between the lines: despite Manning’s past success and a quietly solid second half to the 2018 season, the Giants are giving real consideration to cutting ties with the two-time champ.

Here’s more from the Meadowlands:

  • Manning isn’t the only Giants notable who is in danger of being a cap casualty, Dunleavy writes. Outside linebacker Olivier Vernon ($11.5MM in potential savings; $8MM in dead money), cornerback Janoris Jenkins ($7.75MM savings; $7MM dead money), and linebacker Alec Ogletree ($6.5MM savings; $5.25MM dead money) are among several vets who could be shown the door. Others on the block include running back Jonathan Stewart, tight end Rhett Ellison, strong safety Michael Thomas, and outside linebacker Connor Barwin.
  • The Giants have to fix their broken evaluation process before they enter the meat of a pivotal offseason, Matt Lombardo of NJ.com writes. Last year, the Giants put all of their eggs in the Manning basket by spending big on tackle Nate Solder, trading a fourth-round pick for linebacker Alec Ogletree, signing right guard Patrick Omameh to an ill-fated deal, and adding aging running back Jonathan Stewart. This time around, the Giants have to realistically evaluate their chances to win right away in 2019. In theory, they could spend big on another tackle to bookend Solder and hope for the best, but that won’t be a prudent move unless their truly in position to succeed in ’19.
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