Eli Manning has not yet decided whether he will continue playing in the NFL next season, but he has made it clear that he would need an opportunity to compete for a starting job if he chooses not to retire just yet.
Manning told reporters on Monday that it was “no fun” serving as a backup quarterback behind rookie Daniel Jones this season. When asked if he would consider returning to the Giants in that role in 2020, he was fairly candid.
"I doubt it…backing up's not real fun" – Eli Manning on whether he'd return to the Giants as a backup pic.twitter.com/Q0NmefxnX4
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) December 30, 2019
If Manning has no interest in being a backup with the Giants, it would stand to reason that he does not want to serve as the No. 2 option for any other team, either.
Manning will turn 39 this week, and his skills have diminished considerably over the past two years. While there are plenty of teams in search of stability at the QB position, it’s unclear if he can provide it at this point in his career.
Manning looked like his relationship with Jones was just fine this season, especially when you see the way the two partied together after a recent game. That said, you can’t blame the two-time Super Bowl champion for wanting to start. He has certainly made enough money during his career, so he would only keep playing if there’s an opportunity to actually play.
