Eli Manning hasn't officially retired, but most expect the New York Giants great to do so eventually. Now a free agent and out of his starting job in the Big Apple — to rookie Daniel Jones — the 38-year-old is on the verge of joining his brother, Peyton, in the retired life of commercials, appearances and whatever floats his boat.
However, before he retires, there is a continuous conversation of if Manning, a two-time Super Bowl MVP, is worthy of the Hall of Fame. His former NFC East rival, Dez Bryant, appears to think he is.
On New Year's Eve, Bryant stuck up for Manning on Twitter.
How can anybody hate on Eli Manning and he won 2 Super Bowls? I never understood that
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) January 1, 2020
Manning is one of four players to ever earn two Super Bowl MVP awards. He currently sits in the top-10 all-time in passing yards (57,023), completions (4,895) and passing touchdowns (366). While he has been inconsistent and turnover prone at times, Manning has the portfolio to get himself into the Hall of Fame.
Now, if Manning were not to retire, Bryant has a new option for him: join the Cleveland Browns and take the starting job from incumbent Baker Mayfield.
This what Cleveland Brown fans should be dreaming row right now.. get Eli Manning ..some how some way get 49ers D coordinator..run similar style offense like the 49ers… Cleveland have crazy talent everywhere offense and defense…maximize it while you can I’m taking all bets
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) January 1, 2020
That's an interesting one. Bryant wants to see Manning join his former teammate, Odell Beckham Jr., in Ohio to create a team that would — theoretically — dominate the competition. His experience as a winner would help Mayfield develop.
You keep baker… Eli have 2 rings… baker need to see QB experience… Cleveland defense are dawgs and Cleveland offensive weapons are insane https://t.co/iVQkrhF621
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) January 1, 2020
Manning has stated that he does not want to be a backup again. If he were to find a new job, it would be as a starter. Bryant certainly raises some interesting points.