It makes sense that Aaron Rodgers is the NFL’s highest-paid player, but what about Eli Manning?
The New York Giants quarterback reportedly is trying to top Rodgers’ $22 million annual salary with his next contract, per NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport. In fact, Rapoport reported that Manning’s desires have caused a “significant gap” in contract negotiations with the Giants.
Manning currently makes $16.25 million per year, but he hasn’t done much to prove he deserves to be the highest-paid player in the league. Rodgers was the NFL MVP in 2014, so his five-year, $110 million deal makes sense. Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson signed an extension that pays him $21.9 million per year after leading the team to its second consecutive Super Bowl. And Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s extension gives him $21.85 million per year, and he’s easily a top-five QB.
But Manning led the Giants to a 6-10 record in 2014. He threw a career-high 30 touchdown passes last season, but that went with 14 interceptions and followed a 2013 season in which he threw for just 18 TDs with a whopping 27 picks. And even though the Giants have won two Super Bowls with Manning, they’ve managed to win more than 10 games just twice in his 10 seasons as starter.
There’s no knowing if the Giants will cave and give Manning what he wants, but he could end up getting a big payday in 2016 regardless. If the sides can’t reach an agreement before Manning finishes out his contract this season, New York could franchise tag him for $25 million.
Thumbnail photo via Aaron Doster/USA TODAY Sports Images
