The New York Giants may not end up with any better option than Eli Manning to begin the 2019 season as their starting quarterback, but it does not sound like they will be in any kind of rush to make that decision.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported on Sunday that Manning is “playing his way onto the roster” for next season, but Rapoport’s sources are “adamant” that the call will not be made until the offseason.
From @GMFB Weekend: #Giants QB Eli Manning may be playing his way onto the roster in 2019, which seemed crazy just a few months ago. Interesting decision looming this offseason. pic.twitter.com/9hVQx2PzIO
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 16, 2018
At this point, it seems like Manning will probably begin the season as the starter by default. The Giants could — and probably will — draft a quarterback, but Manning has played well enough down the stretch to justify keeping a rookie on the bench and allowing him to develop a bit behind the two-time Super Bowl champion.
The Giants have won four of their last five games, and Manning’s play has been much more consistent over the past month or so. Having said that, he is still limited with throwing the ball down the field and clearly showing signs of age. Another quarterback would probably be able to maximize Odell Beckham Jr.’s talents more.
Rookie Kyle Lauletta does not seem like the Giants’ quarterback of the future, and he didn’t help his cause when he was arrested earlier this season. Manning may simply end up being the safest option to begin 2019, though he’d probably be on a short leash if that happens.
