New York Giants: 3 Free agent replacements for Eli Manning
The New York Giants have a decision to make regarding quarterback Eli Manning. Here are three possible replacements if the G-Men decide to release him.
I am not a betting man — ever have been. However, I am willing to bet that quarterback Eli Manning will return in 2019 as the starting quarterback for the New York Giants. That doesn’t mean it is the right thing to do.
This won’t be a popular decision with many Giants fans. Personally, I would have drafted Sam Darnold in the 2018 NFL Draft and Big Blue would have their next franchise quarterback for many years to come. There’s no sense living in a world of “what if” though.
If the G-Men decide to finally cut ties with the two-time Super Bowl MVP, here are three signal-callers, all free agents, that general manager Dave Gettleman should considering signing for the 2019 campaign.
Nick Foles
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How interesting would it be for Big Blue to sign a veteran quarterback from an arch rival? Foles was the Super Bowl MVP last season, leading the Eagles to their first Super Bowl crown ever. He’s still just 29 years old and he has once again stepped in for an injured Carson Wentz this year and led the Birds to the edge of a playoff berth.
The 6-6, 243-pounder has thrown for 1,192 yards in four games with five touchdown passes and three interceptions. His 93.4 QB rating is the third highest of his career. Foles has tossed 66 touchdown passes in 53 career contests and would provide the Giants with an experienced leader that has led his team to the promised land.
He’ll have plenty of suitors, so Gettleman will have to ante up and play Foles handsomely. The high dollar outlay would be well worth it though, because Foles would make Big Blue an instant playoff contender in the NFC.
Teddy Bridgewater
The University of Louisville product has taken only 19 snaps this season as Drew Brees’ backup. He’s an intriguing talent though, having thrown for 6,150 yards and 28 touchdowns from 2014-15 with the Vikings before a devastating knee injury forced him to miss the entire 2016 NFL campaign.
Bridgewater is only 26 years old and you can bet he is itching to become a starting signal-caller in the league once again. This is his time to shine. The Giants would not have to pay him a king’s ransom. Now fully healthy, inking Bridgewater to a free agent pact would be a smart move because he retains a high ceiling.
Tyrod Taylor
This should be the third choice for the G-Men. Taylor has been a starter in the NFL for three straight seasons with the Buffalo Bills (2015-17) and is known for his scrambling ability outside of the pocket. The former Virginia Tech standout was the starter for the Browns this year (two touchdowns, two interceptions) before number one draft pick Baker Mayfield took over in October.
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The Browns have not looked back since. With that being said, Taylor is just 29 years old (like Foles) so he is still in his prime. He shouldn’t be too expensive so this is an option, albeit the third option, that Gettleman should ponder if Manning is no longer on the roster in 2019.