Best trade in New York Giants history: Acquiring Eli Manning
Whenever the name Eli Manning is brought up in conversations, Los Angeles Chargers fans, once known as the San Diego Chargers, have to be kicking themselves.
After dominating the college scene, Eli Manning was the number one player on the board for the Chargers. While the franchise may have wanted him, the feeling wasn’t mutual. The New Giants wasted no time in getting their man. Not only did they send Philip Rivers, the fourth overall pick of the draft, but they also sent over a third-rounder who turned into placekicker Nate Kaeding, a 2005 first-rounder who ultimately became Shawne Merriman and another fifth-round selection as well.
While Merriman became a great player, his time at the top of the food chain was short-lived. In a vacuum, the career of Rivers might rank slightly ahead of Manning but in terms of what Manning provided the New York Giants franchise, this trade ranks number one in their history.
For the next 16 years, the Giants could always depend on their signal-caller to be in the lineup. He was a four-time Pro Bowler and of course, took home two Super Bowl titles. Also, and more impressively, Manning led his team to wins in those Super Bowls against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, including in the 2007 season when those previously mentioned Patriots were attempting to reach NFL immortality with an undefeated regular season capped off with a spotless title run.
Currently, Manning’s 57,023 passing yards rank eighth all-time. Also, with 366 touchdowns, he ranks ninth in that department as well.
Without question, Manning’s trade to the Giants ranks number one in the history of their franchise.