Eli Manning will return to the New York Giants in 2018, general manager David Gettleman revealed to reporters during Senior Bowl practices on Wednesday, via the Newsday.
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Gettleman confirmed that new head coach Pat Shurmur is also in favor of bringing back Manning, the Giants' all-time leading passer and winningest quarterback, for one more season.
The general manager also noted that he's had conversations with both Manning — who he worked with during his first stint in New York as a personnel executive — and star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
"It was just fun to catch up with him," Gettleman said of his chat with Manning. "Eli came into the league when I was there and I hadn't seen him in five years except for that one game in 2013 when we played them. It was just fun to catch up on a personal level."
Manning had a disappointing season in 2017, which included throwing for under 4,000 yards for the first time since 2013. He also completed 61.6 percent of his passes, with was his lowest average since 2013.
However, Manning did end his season on a high note by throwing for 434 yards and three touchdowns during a 34-29 loss to the Eagles, which took place shortly after Gettleman was hired as the team's new general manager.
"I had an opportunity to watch (that game)," Gettleman said. "Quarterback is the most important position on the team. At the end of the day, it wasn't a mirage. It was not a mirage."
The Giants are expected to use the No. 2 overall pick in April's Draft on a potential future franchise quarterback to replace the 37-year-old Manning. Wyoming's Josh Allen and Oklahoma's Baker Mayfield — who will participate in Saturday's Senior Bowl with Gettleman in attendance — as well as USC's Sam Darnold and UCLA's Josh Rosen have been pegged by many experts as potential first-round picks.
"I had an opportunity to watch (that game)," Gettleman said. "Quarterback is the most important position on the team. At the end of the day, it wasn't a mirage. It was not a mirage."
New York had the option to cut Manning early in order to save some money and allow the two-time Super Bowl champion to test free agency.
However, it's wise to keep the veteran in the fold until the franchise is ready to hand over the reins to its next franchise quarterback.
