The New York Giants seem to have an idea on how to proceed with an aging Eli Manning at quarterback.
On Wednesday, general manager Dave Gettleman affirmed that Manning would be back in a Giants uniform in 2019. However, he also offered a big clue to the organization’s thinking by noting how well the Kansas City Chiefs had maneuvered Patrick Mahomes into the starting job after sitting on the bench for a year behind veteran starter Alex Smith.
Dave Gettleman clarified on his original lukewarm comments about Eli Manning returning by stating “The Kansas City model really worked well.” It’s clear the Giants are looking at Eli starting with a rookie first-round pick waiting in the wings.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) February 27, 2019
This would seem to be a pretty clear indicator that the Giants, who hold the sixth overall pick, are looking at going quarterback pretty early in the draft and giving a rookie a year behind Manning to grow and develop. They have left little doubt that Manning will be back, but they are also making it clear that they know he will need to be replaced soon. That Kansas City model could well be the route the Giants go this offseason.
