The New York Giants report for training camp 10 days from today. So let's take a daily position-by-position look at the roster, shall we? We'll start Monday with quarterback.
Starter: Eli Manning
Backups: Ryan Nassib, Ricky Stanzi
No contract worries: I constantly get asked about Manning's contract status, since he has one year left on his deal and there's been no movement toward an extension. But things haven't changed on this in months. The Giants decided this offseason that they were comfortable with Manning playing out the final year of his contract and addressing things next offseason. Manning has no problem with it either. Both sides believe they will ultimately be able to get a deal done that keeps Manning a Giant for life. Barring a significant injury like the one that ended his brother's time in Indianapolis, Manning and the Giants will be able to negotiate a new deal next year. And if not, the Giants can franchise him to keep him off the market. The contract situation is not likely to have any effect on this season.
A real offseason: In the spring of 2014, Manning had ankle surgery and had to miss a little bit of on-field work during OTAs. That set him back a bit in terms of comfort in coordinator Ben McAdoo's offense. Fully healthy this spring, Manning has been able to drill down on the nitty-gritty footwork elements of the offense that are critical to his success in it. He has worked with baseball coaches this offseason on ways to improve arm strength. Manning posted a career high in completion percentage last year at 63.1 and in total QBR at 70.9. He had his second-best seasons in terms of yards and touchdown passes, and his 14 interceptions matched his second-lowest total ever in a full season. There is reason to believe Manning could have his best statistical season ever if the offensive line can hold up in front of him.
The backup: Nassib is certain to beat out Stanzi for the backup role and remains a developmental player about whom the Giants feel pretty good. They believe that, if disaster struck and the indestructible Manning got hurt, Nassib could step in and execute McAdoo's short-passing game to an effective extent as long as the run game was solid. But it's important to remember that, as long as Manning is the starter, what the Giants look for in a backup is someone who can run the scout team effectively. Manning hasn't missed a game since becoming the starter in 2004, and the offensive plan is built on the belief that the backup won't be needed.