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Eli Manning is the face of the New York Giants' franchise, but that could be coming to an end soon. Over the past couple seasons, rumors have been swirling that the team may be interested in moving on from their veteran quarterback. They have not pulled the trigger yet, but the time is drawing near.
New York has struggled through yet another rough season. They are currently 3-8 on the season and are headed towards yet another top-five draft pick.
Things simply don't look great for the Giants from a competitive perspective. Saquon Barkley is a great building block, as is Odell Beckham Jr., who signed a long-term contract with New York in the offseason.
Unfortunately, the Giants are closer to a rebuild currently than they are getting back into Super Bowl contention. Manning has had no interest in playing elsewhere, but the Giants have to make a decision for themselves soon. Moving on from Manning isn't going to be easy, but it may need to be done.
All of that being said, it's time to dive in and take a look at three reasons it's time for the Giants to move on from Manning and focus on going into a mini rebuild.
3. Time to Rebuild with Barkley and a Young QB
Barkley is the kind of running back that a team can build their offense around. He is not just a workhorse on the ground, he is a huge playmaker in the passing game as well. That can take a lot of pressure off of a young quarterback.
Manning is still capable of putting up decent numbers, but the Giants should rebuild with Barkley and a young quarterback leading the way.
Letting the young quarterback grow alongside Barkley would be the right move. Beckham is still young enough to grow and build chemistry with a rookie quarterback as well.
As much as Manning has meant to the Giants, a young quarterback would give the franchise a better chance to compete long-term.
2. Lack of Success Now
Obviously, this situation would not be on the table if the Giants were winning football games. Manning would have a lot of job safety if New York was a playoff team. That has not been the case over the last couple of years.
Not only has New York not been a playoff team, they have been among the worst teams in the league.
Manning simply has not been able to get the job done. He has not played horribly, but wins are the bottom line in the NFL. If the Giants aren't winning now, they have to consider moving on to a younger quarterback.
The longer the Giants wait, the more difficult the rebuilding process will be. Manning has done a lot for New York, but the “what have you done for me lately” saying comes into play.
1. Give Manning a Chance to Compete Elsewhere
Finally, Manning has to know that the Giants are not going to get back to contention anytime soon. That should motivate him to take his talents elsewhere, just like his brother Peyton did when he signed with the Denver Broncos after a long and successful tenure with the Indianapolis Colts.
New York needs to make a decision soon. Manning is 37 years old and only has a few more seasons left to play.
Either trading or releasing Manning would give him the chance to pursue a finish to his career elsewhere that can offer him the chance to compete. There are quite a few teams, especially the Jacksonville Jaguars, who could use quarterback help. Jacksonville has a good all-around team and adding Manning might take them back to being a team to watch in the AFC.
Manning may choose not to play for another franchise, but giving him that option would be a classy move.