Eli Manning reportedly returning for Giants in ’18

The Giants want Eli Manning to return in 2018, even if they do decide to draft his successor with the second overall pick in the NFL Draft this April.

One of the biggest shocks during the New York Giants horrible 2017 season, was when former head coach Ben McAdoo benched Eli Manning in favor of Geno Smith. While Manning was not having a good season by any means, the team was heading nowhere, and the benching ended Manning’s incredible consecutive start streak at 210. The move essentially lost McAdoo his job, and put a rift between Manning and the organization.

Heading into this offseason, there was speculation that Manning would not  be back with the team in 2018. However, any Giants fans who think the team will be with a rookie under center next season can rest easy, as Manning will likely be back at quarterback when the Giants kick off their season in September. New general manager Dave Gettleman needs a veteran at quarterback in his first season with the team, and both sides seem in agreement on Manning’s status for next season.

Chris Mortensen of ESPN reported that the new general manager wants Eli Manning back for next season, and Manning will in fact be the starter heading into 2018. In addition, the team plans to evaluate this quarterback-heavy 2018 NFL Draft class, with a possibility of picking Manning’s successor with the No. 2 overall pick. New York spent a draft pick on former Cal quarterback Davis Webb in 2017, and he will likely be evaluated as well.

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There is still a lot of talent on this Giants roster, and Gettleman has a history of building up rosters to be perennial playoff contenders. Manning still has something left in the tank, and whoever the team decides to draft at No. 2, will certainly have a tremendous mentor to learn under. The veteran has gone out of his way to help mentor Webb during his first NFL season, but Webb will likely fall to No. 3 on the depth chart next season.