Both coach Tom Coughlin and general manager Jerry Reese expressed doubt in the past few days about the Giants’ ability to retain receiver Mario Manningham, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent March 13. Based on Manningham’s own words, it seems as if he’s already thinking about the Giants as his former team.
“I’m ready for whatever, man, I am ready for whatever,” Manningham told the Youngstown (Ohio) News upon his return to his hometown to receive a plaque and keys to the city at his Warren Harding High alma-mater. “If it ain’t there, it’s somewhere else.’’
Manningham went on to say he’s “75 percent’’ sure he won’t return to the Giants and will instead sign elsewhere.
Reese, at the NFL scouting combine, admitted preliminary talks with Manningham were not productive and he expects the four-year receiver will hit the open market.
Manningham’s stock rose greatly in the postseason after a subpar regular season, as he was slowed by a nagging knee issue. He had touchdown receptions in each of the first three playoff games and came up huge in Super Bowl XLVI, as his over-the-shoulder 38-yard catch along the left sideline sparked the game-winning touchdown drive as the Giants came back to beat the Patriots 21-17.
There will be teams willing to pay Manningham more than the Giants are willing to offer, especially considering they will likely have to make a salary adjustment for Victor Cruz, who emerged as a star and supplanted Manningham in the starting lineup.