When Eli Manning’s contract was finally completed, there were a few common reactions to it.
In my adopted hometown of New York City, even the Big Blue faithful didn’t think Eli was worth all the coin. (This site’s fearless leader agreed.)
There was another small contingent of people who were surprised Manning “only” got $34.5 million guaranteed, after there were rumors he could get $40-50 million, which would have set a record for quarterbacks.
Well, he basically did. According to Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News, Manning will get $48 million over the first three years of the deal. He will receive an astounding $39.5 million over the next two. (The Newark Star Ledger’s Mike Garafolo shows how Manning’s cap number climbs over $16 million 2012 and that Manning will get a $500,000 workout bonus between 2010-2015.)
Not included in the “guaranteed” portion is a $12.5 million “option” bonus that Manning will receive in 2010.
The Giants would have to cut Manning after this season to avoid that bonus, essentially making $47 million guaranteed. (Unless, you know, David Carr looks really good in the preseason.)
Now all Eli Manning has to do is prove he’s worth it.