New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, in the final year of his contract, is not concerned there has been no progress about an extension.
“Nothing has been brought up,” Manning told NJ.com before walking in the March of Dimes’ March for Babies with his daughter Ava on Sunday in Manhattan. “I haven’t made a big deal about it.”
The 34-year-old Manning can become a free agent at the end of the season. The Giants also have the option of placing the franchise tag on him.
Manning could command $18 million to $20 million per season, on par with the five-year, $99 million deal Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger signed last month.
“(The contract) is not something I’m going to argue about or make a fuss about,” Manning said before serving as the New York celebrity chairman for the event.
Manning signed a six-year contract in 2009. It was renegotiated in March 2012, and he is set to make $17 million in 2015 and count $19.75 million against the salary cap.
“I look at it like, ‘Hey, I signed a six-year contract, and I’ve never once mentioned contract to them or anything or tried to get extended,'” Manning said. “I’m going to play out those six years and hopefully my play and the success of the team will dictate the future of me being in New York.”
The Giants apparently are comfortable letting Manning play out the 2015 season without the promise of a long-term deal on paper after the team missed the playoffs each of the past three seasons.
Owner John Mara has said he wants Manning to spend his entire career with the Giants, and his statistical improvement in 2014 in Ben McAdoo’s first season as offensive coordinator was duly noted.
General manager Jerry Reese declined to comment on Manning’s contract last week.
“Eli is back in the building,” Reese said. “He looks great. He is happy to be back. We are glad he is back. We will address that when it is appropriate.”
Manning, the No. 1 overall pick in 2004, has started every game since he became the Giants’ starter as a rookie.
