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Potential Landing Spots if Eli Manning Left Giants

Eli Manning has only played for the New York Giants in his career, leading them to two Super Bowls. While rumors have swirled around his future in New York with the Giants struggling, Manning does have a no-trade clause. Still under contract along with Odell Beckham Jr, Manning will likely be back with Big Blue next year.

But if the two sides decide it's time to part ways? At 1-7, the Giants could draft a quarterback in next year's draft and hit the reset button. If Manning complied, he could finish his career with another team, perhaps with a shot at one last title.


Again, I think there's an overwhelming chance Manning is still the starting quarterback for the Giants in 2018. But if he were to move on, where could he go? What teams would take the veteran quarterback for his last NFL years?

Jacksonville Jaguars
I actually already wrote about the hypothetical idea of the Jaguars trading for Manning earlier this season. The obvious connection is his former coach, Tom Coughlin, who is the current VP of Football Operations for Jacksonville.

The Jaguars are flying high this season at 5-3, and look playoff-bound with a soft upcoming schedule. Their quarterback, Blake Bortles, won't stop them from advancing to the postseason, but he also might not help them much there.

Bortles is a middle of the road quarterback with turnover problems. There was times in his career that you could say the same about Eli Manning, but at this point in his career, he brings more upside to an NFL team than Bortles.

In the playoffs, the Jaguars could ride their elite defense and Manning's veteran presence to a couple January wins. Coughlin and Manning would get a shot at a third Super Bowl title.

The earliest this could happen is 2018, and the Jaguars would be considered contenders by adding Manning to a roster with a great defense and some offensive playmakers like Leonard Fournette.

Denver Broncos
NFL Legend Peyton Manning took to Mile High to finish his career and ride out with a Super Bowl win. Could his younger brother do the same?

Since Peyton Manning's departure, the Broncos have struggled to stay relevant. They retain a great defense with offensive firepower like Demaryius Thomas. With a strong starting quarterback, the Broncos would easily win 10+ games and head to the AFC playoffs.

But with a rotating cast of Trevor Siemian, Brock Osweiler, and Paxton Lynch, Denver has struggled to find a consistent signal-caller.

Comparing Eli to Denver's starters this year:
  • Eli Manning: 85.4 Rating, 12 TD, 6 INT, 63.2% completion rate
  • Trevor Siemian: 76.8 Rating, 9 TD, 10 INT, 61.5% completion rate
  • Brock Osweiler: 54.3 Rating, 1 TD, 2 INT, 50.0% completion rate
Say what you will about the current Giants quarterback, but he would be an immediate upgrade over the Broncos current production. 

Similar to the situation in Jacksonville: with a strong defense and scattered offensive playmakers, a veteran presence like Manning could tie the team together and improve their fates next season.

New York Jets
This was supposed to be a rebuilding year for the New York Jets. Josh McCown wasn't expected to be more than a stopgap, yet he's lead the Jets to a 4-5 record with an outside shot at the playoffs. Even in losses, the Jets have played last year's Super Bowl teams, the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons, very close, leading both of them.

Let's say the Jets finish with 6 or 7 wins this season. This will put them out of the market to draft a top quarterback from college, but leave them with many questions at the position. Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg are on the roster, but neither has stolen the starting role because McCown has been better.

The Jets could re-sign McCown after a solid season, but he'll be 39 heading into next season. Instead, going after Manning would actually be going younger at the position.

Essentially, the Jets have a roster that can win games with Josh McCown. It hasn't been proven they can win with Petty or Hackenberg. So to remain competitive next season, could Manning really switch locker rooms in MetLife Stadium?

Obviously, it's a long-shot, but it could be a mutually beneficial move it pays off. Manning could at least emulate McCown, and additionally make some throws he can't. In the twilight of his career, Manning wouldn't have to deal with the drama of truly leaving town, as he could stay in the friendly confines of East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The Jets have had mixed success with veteran quarterbacks over the past decade, from Brett Favre to Michael Vick to Ryan Fitzpatrick and finally, Josh McCown. Acquiring Eli Manning would continue this trend without solving the need for the future. It would be an all-in approach for the next two seasons, but it just might be crazy enough to work.

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