The New York Giants enter the offseason with a singular goal in mind: Find the next franchise quarterback.
That player could be signed as a free agent, acquired via trade, or selected in the 2025 NFL draft. There could even be multiple quarterbacks added in an effort to develop one while another serves as a bridge.
However the Giants plan to approach it, retired legend Eli Manning is offering his help in evaluating the many options.
“I like watching film,” Manning said, via the New York Post. “If that’s something I’m wanted for, needed for, be happy to look at film and get involved in that part of it.”
Although Manning still works for the Giants in a business operations and fan engagement role, he is not currently involved in any sort of scouting. However, he has occasionally been asked for his input over the years.
“Yes, I mean a little bit, just over the years, just guys I’ve been around, whether it’s Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss or quarterbacks over the years who have been to the Manning Passing Academy,” he said. “Just what kind of person they are, kind of more off-the-field stuff than maybe on the field.”
Because of the Manning Passing Academy, Eli does have significant firsthand knowledge of most quarterback prospects. At some point or another, many cycle through the academy at least once with several making a multitude of appearances.
That also provides Manning the opportunity to converse with the young quarterbacks who are headed to the NFL. And should the Giants hone in on anyone specific, Manning could get into their ear and help them understand the pressure that comes along with playing in New York.
“It’s not an easy situation,” he said. “A lot of pressure, a lot of expectations and being in New York, really being around the NFL, they expect immediate results, which is not easy to do, in any market playing the quarterback position.
“It will be interesting to see what route they take and who they get to play quarterback next year for the Giants. Hopefully, they can get someone to make a difference. Because you see it this year, when you get a young quarterback playing at a high level, they can make a big difference for an organization.”
Without actually dipping his toe into any scouting waters, Manning admits he has a personal favorite in the upcoming class. Who that player is should come as little surprise.
“I like Jaxson Dart,” Manning said. “I’ve probably watched him more than anybody, just from watching Ole Miss games. I’ve been around him and (he’s) been a great kid, been in the same offense for three years and been successful. Seen him grow and progress and seems to be able to make all the throws.”
Ultimately, Manning says, whoever the Giants decide on must be able to “develop quickly and be effective in the first two years.”
