‘Significant Progress’ On Manning, Giants Contract Extension Talks

The New York Giants and their star quarterback Eli Manning are progressing on their talks for a contract extension, and a deal can possibly be agreed upon before the Giants open their season on Sunday, according to a report.

Ian Rapoport of NFL.com made the update on Twitter, although Manning avoided the topic when asked in recent interviews.

"I haven’t thought about it," Manning told ESPN when asked about the ongoing negotiations for his new long-term contract.

Manning will be in the final year of a six-year $97.5 million contract he signed with the Giants in 2010. For the 2015 season, he is scheduled to earn about $18 million.

Earlier in the offseason, Manning reportedly stated that he wants to get that huge contract from the Giants and become the highest-paid player in the league. The 34-year-old QB denied those reports and even called out Rapoport for trying “to make a name for himself” for starting the said rumors.

The top five highest-paid quarterbacks, by their annual average salaries, are Green Bay Packers’ Aaron Rodgers, Seattle Seahawks’ Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers’ Ben Roethlisberger, San Diego Chargers’ Philip Rivers and Carolina Panthers’ Cam Newton, according to Spotrac.com.

All five top paid QBs earn more than $20 million per season, and Manning is expected to be demanding a yearly salary within that range.

Manning is entering his 13th NFL season and is considered one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Last year, he had 4,410 passing yards on 379 of 601 completions with 30 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.

The Giants open their season against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.