After throwing 27 interceptions in 2013, Giants quarterback Eli Manning opened the 2014 season in a new offense and struggled out of the gate with four interceptions as the Giants lost their first two games.
Things never picked up for the Giants, but Manning’s play improved over the rest of the season. Whether it was increased comfort in offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo’s scheme or the arrival of Odell Beckham after his early season hamstring injury, Manning found his groove and ended the season with a career-high 63.1 completion percentage, 30 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
On Monday, Manning said he felt he could have played better but expects the offense to make strides in 2015. He added his focus is on making those improvements and not on the fact that 2015 is the final year of his contract.
“If the Giants want to discuss [an extension], we’ll discuss it, but it’s not a focus of mine,” Manning said, via the New York Daily News. “I’ve never really been worried about contract stuff. I let all that handle itself. My concern is getting better for next year.”
Getting an extension done with Manning would likely open up some cap space for next year as Manning has a nearly $20 million cap charge under his current deal. The potential downside would be locking them into a future with Manning when 2016 could bring major changes to the coaching staff. Tom Coughlin isn’t going anywhere now, but they’ve missed the playoffs three straight years and it will be difficult to rationalize the status quo after another year on the outside looking in.
That might not be an issue for the Giants, who have never shown any doubt about Manning. We should get some idea on where they come down on the matter in the coming months, but an extension that keeps Manning in the fold would be an unsurprising development based on how things played out in 2014.
