Giants news: Pat Shurmur believes Eli Manning still has 'years' left as starting quarterback

Pat Shurmur and the New York Giants are trekking toward a second straight year of falling well short of the playoff picture that has brought up even questions concerning the long-term future of quarterback Eli Manning.

The New York Giants are trekking toward a second straight year of falling well short of the playoff picture, which has brought up questions concerning the long-term future of quarterback Eli Manning.

There has been growing chatter that his time in New York could be nearing an end given his continued difficulties in helping guide the team to consistent success. However, head coach Pat Shurmur has been one of Manning's most vocal supporters as he has voiced that he wants Manning back next season while still showing the capability to be a starting quarterback for a few more years, according to Ralph Vacchiano of Sportsnet New York.

Does Pat Shurmur want Eli Manning back next season? “Yeah. I want all our players to be back. I believe experience matters.”

Does he still believe Manning has “years” remaining as an NFL starter? “Yeah, I do.”

— Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano) December 17, 2018

Prior to the disappointing 17-0 loss to the Tennessee Titans that has eliminated the team for playoff contention, it had seen the Giants take some encouraging steps forward over the previous five games having won during that stretch. It has featured Manning stepping up, throwing 10 touchdown passes to two interceptions while holding a passer rating above 100 three times that demonstrated that he can still be an effective passer at this stage of his career.

It all may have come at a point where it is too late in the season, but there may be more left in the tank with Manning that was thought. He is one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the league while he has shown to be a reliable asset when given time in the pocket to throw the ball. Granted, he has had his struggles along the way, but his production has been impacted by the inconsistent play of the offense.

Nonetheless, the Giants are set to head next offseason with the possibility of moving on from him as the final year of his four-year, $84 million deal has a $6.2 dead cap hit if they were to part ways with him. Ultimately, their actions in the coming months will be indicative of what they feel Manning has left in the tank at this point in his career.