Four More Years of Eli Manning: Help Sell More Free Agents

(photo credit: usatoday.com)

Not long after the New York Giants signed premier defensive end Oliver Vernon to a five-year, $85 million deal, the former Miami Dolphins star recalled a phone call with fellow defensive end stud, Jason Pierre-Paul, who helped pave the way here. Before that phone call however, Vernon was doing his own research on teams that he was interested in. And the Giants were one of those teams because of quarterback Eli Manning.

Vernon sat in front of his laptop as he typed in the name "Eli Manning" into Google Search. He wanted to know Manning's age, his contract status, as well as how many quality years he has left.


The most important thing Vernon discovered was that Eli was 35-years-old and was signed the 2019 season. Which meant Eli had four years left on his contract.

Despite Eli being 35-years-old and having four years left on contract, apparently was more than enough for Vernon to sign with Big Blue.


"They've got Eli Manning," Vernon told the Star Ledger. "Not talking away from other teams, but I knew they had a legitimate quarterback who is proven. He's solidified. He has two Super Bowls under his belt. He's been there. He's been to playoffs.


There were reportedly several teams interested in signing the Pro Bowl defensive end, but ultimately for Vernon, those other teams lacked the franchise quarterback he was looking for. One of those teams were the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are led by the young signal caller, Blake Bortles.

The New York Jets are the other team, but they happen to lack a quarterback at the moment because the Jets and quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick are miles apart on an agreement. Fitzpatrick is seeking about $18 million a season, while the Jets are only offering about $7-8 million a year.

Fitzpatrick, the former Harvard quarterback, is coming off his best season as a pro, leading Gang Green to a 10-6 record while helping wide receivers Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker becoming the best wide receiver duos in the history of the NFL. And without Fitzpatrick, Geno Smith would be the quarterback for the Jets, and that doesn't help anyone!

"Maybe they'll be good, maybe not. But you only get one opportunity (in free agency)," Vernon added. "As far as that, the (Giants) offense is set. They can put up points. The defense needs help. I'll be glad to be a part of the defense to make something happen."

There are many experts and pundits that think Eli is overrated, the credit he deserves, but his teammates and those who decide to play for him would strongly disagree with that assumption.