MOBILE, Ala. _ The Giants haven't made any decisions about the future of Eli Manning ... at least none they have communicated to the quarterback and his agent.
Tom Condon, who represents Manning, said on Monday at the Senior Bowl that he has not heard from the team about the two-time Super Bowl winner. Nor was he surprised. Asked if he thinks Manning will be playing for the Giants for the 2019 season he said: "Shoot yeah. I think so. I think he'll be back."
That's far from a guarantee. Manning is 38 and has one year remaining on his contract. His salary cap hit for 2019 will be $23.2 million if he plays under his current deal. And the Giants under Manning's on-field leadership have failed to reach the postseason in five of the last six seasons.
For the Giants, that cap number might be the most unmanageable aspect of keeping Manning. Condon said he has "no idea" if the Giants will approach him about a pay cut or an extension, adding that it is too early in the offseason for such conversations about Manning or any other player. Manning never has played the final year of any contract in his 15 seasons with the Giants.
Giants general manager Dave Gettleman offered little insight into the direction he wants to take with Manning this offseason when he spoke at the conclusion of the regular season. He said he would first go back and scour the film of Manning's 2018 performance before coming to any conclusions. He said he would maintain open communications with Manning throughout the process.
Gettleman made similar remarks last year, too, and it was at the Senior Bowl that he first publicly stated that he would stick with Manning. Gettleman is not expected to address reporters this week in Mobile.
If the Giants decide to replace Manning they'll have a number of options with the sixth pick in the upcoming draft and a few free-agent quarterbacks who have ties to coach Pat Shurmur.
Manning has said many times in recent years that he'd like to finish his career with the Giants and Condon said that is his understanding of his client's wishes.
More likely, though, it will be up to the Giants to decide when the Eli Manning Era is over.
And when they tell him.
