New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning doesn't want contract negotiations to go on during the season, according to Tom Rock of Newsday.
Manning is usually not so outspoken about contract talks, but he has expressed a sense of urgency in getting the deal done.
"I'm not a big fan of negotiations going on during the season," Manning said. "I'm hoping if this is going to get done, it's going to get done very quickly. I would think both sides would want to do it that way and not have these talks continue on."
This season is Manning's last year on his contract with the Giants, and it is likely the quarterback wants to focus on football over a contract negotiation. The two sides have been trying to work through an agreement through the preseason, but nothing has been reached. Manning is due a large contract especially with the way quarterbacks are being paid today. When the deal is completed Manning may be one of the highest paid players in the league, but contracts seem to continue to just grow larger as they have in the past. If the Giants don't sign Manning for the long-term they could franchise him, but it would cost the organization $20 million to apply the franchise tag.
Manning may have had a good statistical season last year, throwing for 4,410 yards and 30 touchdowns with 14 interceptions, but it didn't result in wins. In 2013 Manning had his worst season with 27 interceptions and only 18 touchdowns. The Giants have been trying to revamp the offense around Manning. Almost all players from the 2007 Super Bowl run are gone, and there are very few from the 2011 season. From Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw to Rashad Jennings and Shane Vereen the Giants have had massive turnover at every position except quarterback. Manning won each Super Bowl with a different set of core receivers; whether it was Steve Smith and Plaxico Burress or Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz, Manning seemed to get it done. Today Manning has two talented receivers in Odell Beckham Jr. and Cruz and a developing tight end in Larry Donnell, so it is up to Manning to show he is worth the big contract and that those Super Bowl runs are as possible today as they were in the past.
Manning is likely focusing on football, and rightly so as the Giants travel to Dallas to play last season's NFC East division winners the Cowboys. The Giants won zero games against the Cowboys and Eagles last season, and losing to division rivals is a sure way to stay out of the playoffs. The Giants have a choice, though, as they can see how Manning produces this season, but that may be a risk as his play could determine his future salary.
