Mannigham likely done with Gmen, probably Tampa Bay (1 Viewer)

[biggamer3]

http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/6384866/34996521

INDIANAPOLIS -- While New York Giants' general manager Jerry Reese refused to speculate on the future of Super Bowl hero and soon-to-be-free-agent Mario Manningham, sources at this weekend's NFL scouting combine said there is virtually no chance he is back with the Giants.

Instead, they said, Manningham is expected to follow former Giants assistant Mike Sullivan to Tampa Bay. Sullivan, who was the Giants quarterbacks coach, took a job as Tampa Bay's offensive coordinator.

Manningham was the Giants' third leading receiver last season with 39 catches, but he recently told The Vindicator of Youngstown, Ohio, there was a "75 percent chance" he wouldn't return to the Giants and that he "wants the ball more." With Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz each producing over 1,000 yards in receptions last season, that is unlikely to happen in New York.

But there are other reasons Manningham won't be back, sources said. First, they said, he would know Sullivan's offense, so there is no learning curve. Second, people close to Manningham indicate that he wants to go to a warm-weather club, and last time I checked Tampa Bay qualified on that score. Third, sources said the Giants probably wouldn't make him a contract offer, not only because they believe his price may be too high but because they're more interested in a wide receiver who can line up at more than one or two spots at the position, which, they said, Manningham cannot.

Manningham's 38-yard over-the-shoulder catch led the Giants to a come-from-behind victory over New England in Super Bowl XLVI -- a catch reminiscent of David Tyree's spectactular reception in Super Bowl XLII and a catch that, like Manningham, led the Giants to a comeback defeat of the Patriots.

Tyree never caught another pass for New York, and, it appears, Manningham won't, either.

"He won't be back," one source predicted.

 

[jurb26]

This is interesting news. What would Manningham's role be and what would Williams and Benn be doing?

 

[Banemorth]

As a Giants fan I like this move. I really hope Ramses Barden can make an impact this year.

 

[biggamer3]

As a Giants fan I like this move. I really hope Ramses Barden can make an impact this year.

Yeah I would have liked to keep Mario for cheap but with his age and talents another team will throw big money at him and it makes no sense for the Giants to match given their Salary Cap situation.Reese has shown he can find WR's in the past who fit the system. I wouldnt be shocked to see Steve Smith return for dirt cheap and excel in the Manningham role

 

[JohnnyU]

As a Giants fan I like this move. I really hope Ramses Barden can make an impact this year.

I look for Jernigan to benefit the most from this. He was chosen in the 3rd round and can be a good playmaker. You've seen the most you're going to get from Barden.

 

[eakfootball]

I own both Tampa Mike and Manningham. If on the same team who is more valuable?

 

[JohnnyU]

I own both Tampa Mike and Manningham. If on the same team who is more valuable?

Whoever isn't getting double teamed or getting rolled coverage. All I know is that going from Eli Manning to Josh Freeman is a big step down.

 

[Cecil_Pooples]

I own both Tampa Mike and Manningham. If on the same team who is more valuable?

Probably the one that can run a route and get separation.Manningham.

 

[jurb26]

I own both Tampa Mike and Manningham. If on the same team who is more valuable?

Whoever isn't getting double teamed or getting rolled coverage. All I know is that going from Eli Manning to Josh Freeman is a big step down.

While that is true, going from the competition of Nicks and Cruze vs. Williams and Benn for targets is a big step up.I just can't put my finger on how they would all be used. Manningham seems to have the inside track on targets as he has the most experience in that offense.

 

[netnalp]

As a Giants fan I like this move. I really hope Ramses Barden can make an impact this year.

I look for Jernigan to benefit the most from this. He was chosen in the 3rd round and can be a good playmaker. You've seen the most you're going to get from Barden.

Seems like Jernigan has been mentioned as a guy that needs to step up. I had thought he was considered more of a slot guy. Perhaps they move Cruz to the outside? Need to look how Cruz does when not in the slot.

 

[duaneok66]

i thought that Steve Smith was rumored to be going back to the Eagles . . .

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

I own both Tampa Mike and Manningham. If on the same team who is more valuable?

Whoever isn't getting double teamed or getting rolled coverage. All I know is that going from Eli Manning to Josh Freeman is a big step down.

While that is true, going from the competition of Nicks and Cruze vs. Williams and Benn for targets is a big step up.I just can't put my finger on how they would all be used. Manningham seems to have the inside track on targets as he has the most experience in that offense.

dont forget taht they are saying KWII is as good as gone too. Mario Strikes me as a guy who will struggle to be the guy. MikeWIll disappeared this year and Benn is coming off of injury where he was ahead of scheduleIn Dynasty I think I'd take the guy that the OC is hand picking to bring in. Mario.

 

[Couch Potato]

i thought that Steve Smith was rumored to be going back to the Eagles . . .

I've not seen that. The signing in Philly was a fiasco as it turned out. As mentioned above, the speculation I've seen is a return to NYG. I don't know if that has any legs either or is just connecting the dots. GM Reese of NYG yesterday did say Jernigan will be expected to step up, and that Barden will contribute. That phrasing indicated to me Barden isn't going to be above #4 no matter what. And Reese couldn't mention Steve Smith because he's still under contract until the free agency period begins and that would be tampering. So, to me we're looking at Jernigan or Smith as the logical options in NYG.

 

[Couch Potato]

As far as Tampa is concerned, Mike Williams is the better gifted WR and Manningham would be the #3 also behind Benn I would think. But, and a big but, Williams has put himself at risk with his immature behavior, lack of dedication, excessive partying, etc. The new regime won't tolerate that and he'll be straightening up or else.

Keep in mind also that these "sources" who say Manningham is headed to Tampa can certainly be wrong. There will be a few teams vying for his services, and money talks. I don't think that CBS report can be taken as anything close to fact at this point.

 

[jurb26]

As far as Tampa is concerned, Mike Williams is the better gifted WR and Manningham would be the #3 also behind Benn I would think. But, and a big but, Williams has put himself at risk with his immature behavior, lack of dedication, excessive partying, etc. The new regime won't tolerate that and he'll be straightening up or else.Keep in mind also that these "sources" who say Manningham is headed to Tampa can certainly be wrong. There will be a few teams vying for his services, and money talks. I don't think that CBS report can be taken as anything close to fact at this point.

The fact that Mannigham knows the OC and is familar with the offense seems to bode well to the rumor/story. I also don't think it's a give in that Williams is better than Mannigham. As others have pointed out, I highly doubt the OC hand picks him to place him 3rd on the depth chart.

 

[ebcpastor2004]

Is Burleson done in DET? Would it make sense for Manningham to go back to Michigan? Really just curious since I do own MM in one league, but don't know DET situation.

 

[jurb26]

Is Burleson done in DET? Would it make sense for Manningham to go back to Michigan? Really just curious since I do own MM in one league, but don't know DET situation.

Det likes what they have in T. Young too much to bring in Manningham IMO.

 

[Couch Potato]

As far as Tampa is concerned, Mike Williams is the better gifted WR and Manningham would be the #3 also behind Benn I would think. But, and a big but, Williams has put himself at risk with his immature behavior, lack of dedication, excessive partying, etc. The new regime won't tolerate that and he'll be straightening up or else.Keep in mind also that these "sources" who say Manningham is headed to Tampa can certainly be wrong. There will be a few teams vying for his services, and money talks. I don't think that CBS report can be taken as anything close to fact at this point.

The fact that Mannigham knows the OC and is familar with the offense seems to bode well to the rumor/story. I also don't think it's a give in that Williams is better than Mannigham. As others have pointed out, I highly doubt the OC hand picks him to place him 3rd on the depth chart.

We shall see. I don't think he moves either WR out of the starting lineup if he does arrive, which again is no given. Manningham isn't a special receiver by any means.

 

[JohnnyU]

As far as Tampa is concerned, Mike Williams is the better gifted WR and Manningham would be the #3 also behind Benn I would think. But, and a big but, Williams has put himself at risk with his immature behavior, lack of dedication, excessive partying, etc. The new regime won't tolerate that and he'll be straightening up or else.Keep in mind also that these "sources" who say Manningham is headed to Tampa can certainly be wrong. There will be a few teams vying for his services, and money talks. I don't think that CBS report can be taken as anything close to fact at this point.

The fact that Mannigham knows the OC and is familar with the offense seems to bode well to the rumor/story. I also don't think it's a give in that Williams is better than Mannigham. As others have pointed out, I highly doubt the OC hand picks him to place him 3rd on the depth chart.

We shall see. I don't think he moves either WR out of the starting lineup if he does arrive, which again is no given. Manningham isn't a special receiver by any means.

He can move Benn to not being fantasy relevant. You're underestimating the effect of Manningham.ETA: Not that Benn was fantasy relevant in the first place.

 

[duaneok66]

I don't see why Manningham would bother going to Tampa to be a #3 - he is a #3 with his current team.

 

[duaneok66]

As far as Tampa is concerned, Mike Williams is the better gifted WR and Manningham would be the #3 also behind Benn I would think. But, and a big but, Williams has put himself at risk with his immature behavior, lack of dedication, excessive partying, etc. The new regime won't tolerate that and he'll be straightening up or else.Keep in mind also that these "sources" who say Manningham is headed to Tampa can certainly be wrong. There will be a few teams vying for his services, and money talks. I don't think that CBS report can be taken as anything close to fact at this point.

The fact that Mannigham knows the OC and is familar with the offense seems to bode well to the rumor/story. I also don't think it's a give in that Williams is better than Mannigham. As others have pointed out, I highly doubt the OC hand picks him to place him 3rd on the depth chart.

I don't get the Williams love. Reports have surfaced that he mailed it in this past year.

 

[JohnnyU]

I don't see why Manningham would bother going to Tampa to be a #3 - he is a #3 with his current team.

What makes you think he would be #3? Benn isn't anything special.

 

[duaneok66]

I don't see why Manningham would bother going to Tampa to be a #3 - he is a #3 with his current team.

What makes you think he would be #3? Benn isn't anything special.

was replying to those saying he's behind Williams and Benn.

 

[finito]

I don't see why Manningham would bother going to Tampa to be a #3 - he is a #3 with his current team.

What makes you think he would be #3? Benn isn't anything special.

I don't think we've seen the best of Benn. Going into his third year and fully recovered from his ACL tear, this should be a telling season for him. Don't know if he would beat out Manningham, but I think he has a shot to be a very good WR.

 

[Zimm]

I think this would hurt Benn the most. Williams and Manningham are outside guys. If they go to a 3 WR set that means Benn has to kick inside or go to the sideline.

 

[Jason Wood]

If Tampa signs Manningham to a big money contract, it will further compound what's been a suspect operating history of late.

 

[Chaka]

Don't see this as a big deal either way. He has proven that at the very best he is inconsistent. I wouldn't rely on him for much of anything. IMO he's a #4 WR on spec in a redraft.

 

[bucsbaby]

If Tampa signs Manningham to a big money contract, it will further compound what's been a suspect operating history of late.

 

[Xue]

Giants should forget signing Smith who may never regain form. Just draft Chris Givens, who is essentially the same player.

 

[Pots]

GMen have already expressed a history of not appreciating superbowl-hero WRs. No surprise here.

 

[bonesman]

As a Giants fan I like this move. I really hope Ramses Barden can make an impact this year.

I look for Jernigan to benefit the most from this. He was chosen in the 3rd round and can be a good playmaker. You've seen the most you're going to get from Barden.

Seems like Jernigan has been mentioned as a guy that needs to step up. I had thought he was considered more of a slot guy. Perhaps they move Cruz to the outside? Need to look how Cruz does when not in the slot.

Both of those are correct to my understanding as well.

 

[Grahamburn]

If Tampa signs Manningham to a big money contract, it will further compound what's been a suspect operating history of late.

Agree. No reason to spend $$ on mediocre talent simply because you have it.

 

[gump]

If you have a good agent, he gets your name linked to the Bucs asap. Everyone knows they have money to spend.

 

[Yenrub]

If he can come back for a 2nd knee injury Hixon could be in the mix for the 3rd WR

I’m not sure what his contract status is right now

 

[bucsbaby]

If you have a good agent, he gets your name linked to the Bucs asap. Everyone knows they have money to spend.

Which is why the Bucs should be able to position themselves in terms of a buyer's market, as there are quite a few FA WRs available, possibly some really good ones.

 

[Grahamburn]

Mike Sullivan has worked with Manningham his entire career. He'll likely have to give a ringing endorsement of Mario for TB to sign him to a big deal. If most of MM's knuckleheaded-ness and lack of concentration is true I doubt that happens.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Manningham > Williams or Benn

Manningham can run a route and get separation.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Manningham > Williams or BennManningham can run a route and get separation.

I agree, seems alot of people are selling Mario short on his talent, dude can play. Just ask BB

 

[Grahamburn]

Manningham > Williams or BennManningham can run a route and get separation.

I agree, seems alot of people are selling Mario short on his talent, dude can play. Just ask BB

The issue is more with his ability to be the #1 WR and focal point of a passing attack, because it sounds like the pricetag is going to be in that range. If Josh Freeman was Drew Brees I'd be ok with having 3 #2 type WRs, but he's not. The Bucs need a big time #1 WR. I'm not really sure there will be anyone actually available that fits the bill. Is Mario Manningham really going to put the TB offense over the top at $7M per year? Meh.Sidenote:When was the last time a free agent WR that switched teams made a significant impact? TO? I can think of guys that left via trade, but nobody that got a mega FA deal. Maybe it's just slipping my mind.

 

[inzanitee]

Sidenote:When was the last time a free agent WR that switched teams made a significant impact? TO?

Laurent Robinson in 2011 signed with Dallas as a FA after being dumped by SD and ended up with a top 20 season, definitely a significant impact IMO.

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

Manningham is a very good WR 2 in the NFL. I think going to Tampa he could find a nice role in that offence.

Manningham is a guy that is able to get open. He had some bad drops this year, which lead to some inconsistent targets and inclusion in the offence, but with regular reps and targets he may be undervalued headed into next year as he burned a lot of his owners this year.

In 2010 he had 60 catches, 944 yards and 9td's as a 24 year old and in 2009 he had 57 catches for 822 yards and 5 td's as a 23 year old. He is still young at 25 years of age, and was out played by Cruz and Nicks who both had pro bowl type years.

Seeing as how I am a Giants fan and watch all of their games, Manningham is a guy that gets open. He also had some pain in his knee this year that may have lead to some of his inconsistency but by the sounds of it, it was minor.

I like Manningham as WR 2 in the nfl and he does have a chance in fantasy of being a guy that fits into the 10 to 16 type WR. Barring health he would finally get 100 plus targets as well which is something he has yet to receive.

 

[Grahamburn]

Sidenote:When was the last time a free agent WR that switched teams made a significant impact? TO?

Laurent Robinson in 2011 signed with Dallas as a FA after being dumped by SD and ended up with a top 20 season, definitely a significant impact IMO.

I guess I was thinking more along the lines of top tier guys receiving multi-year deals who were brought in to be the WR1. It seems like NFL teams don't let those types of players get away too often. Mario Manningham isn't going to become that type of player, imo.As a Buc fan, I'd rather see them spend their money in different areas and address WR in the draft.

 

[inzanitee]

Sidenote:When was the last time a free agent WR that switched teams made a significant impact? TO?

Laurent Robinson in 2011 signed with Dallas as a FA after being dumped by SD and ended up with a top 20 season, definitely a significant impact IMO.

I guess I was thinking more along the lines of top tier guys receiving multi-year deals who were brought in to be the WR1. It seems like NFL teams don't let those types of players get away too often. Mario Manningham isn't going to become that type of player, imo.As a Buc fan, I'd rather see them spend their money in different areas and address WR in the draft.

Ah, gotcha. Makes sense, though I don't consider Maningham a top tier guy -- I'd actually put him in the Laurent Robinson tier.

 

[gianmarco]

Manningham is a very good WR 2 in the NFL. I think going to Tampa he could find a nice role in that offence.Manningham is a guy that is able to get open. He had some bad drops this year, which lead to some inconsistent targets and inclusion in the offence, but with regular reps and targets he may be undervalued headed into next year as he burned a lot of his owners this year.In 2010 he had 60 catches, 944 yards and 9td's as a 24 year old and in 2009 he had 57 catches for 822 yards and 5 td's as a 23 year old. He is still young at 25 years of age, and was out played by Cruz and Nicks who both had pro bowl type years.Seeing as how I am a Giants fan and watch all of their games, Manningham is a guy that gets open. He also had some pain in his knee this year that may have lead to some of his inconsistency but by the sounds of it, it was minor.I like Manningham as WR 2 in the nfl and he does have a chance in fantasy of being a guy that fits into the 10 to 16 type WR. Barring health he would finally get 100 plus targets as well which is something he has yet to receive.

 

[Sabertooth]

I hope he gets Larry Brown money though....that would be great for him.

 

[Sabertooth]

Manningham is a very good WR 2 in the NFL. I think going to Tampa he could find a nice role in that offence.

Manningham is a guy that is able to get open. He had some bad drops this year, which lead to some inconsistent targets and inclusion in the offence, but with regular reps and targets he may be undervalued headed into next year as he burned a lot of his owners this year.

In 2010 he had 60 catches, 944 yards and 9td's as a 24 year old and in 2009 he had 57 catches for 822 yards and 5 td's as a 23 year old. He is still young at 25 years of age, and was out played by Cruz and Nicks who both had pro bowl type years.

Seeing as how I am a Giants fan and watch all of their games, Manningham is a guy that gets open. He also had some pain in his knee this year that may have lead to some of his inconsistency but by the sounds of it, it was minor.

I like Manningham as WR 2 in the nfl and he does have a chance in fantasy of being a guy that fits into the 10 to 16 type WR. Barring health he would finally get 100 plus targets as well which is something he has yet to receive.

Very good would mean he'd be a top 15 or so WR2. I don't think that is the case. Saying he is inconsistent is like calling Pike's Peak a pimple.

 

[Grahamburn]

Maybe I'm missing something, but if Manningham is so great, why didn't he take the #2 role for the Giants and run with it? He had a couple decent seasons with a pretty solid QB playing across from a great receiver. Yet, Victor Cruz exploded in the role everyone thought Manningham would excel in.

Also, I don't consider Manningham a top tier free agent WR, but I think he wants to be paid like one. If TB pays this guy to be their WR1 they are absolute boneheads.

 

[Premier]

Lot of people breaking out their jump to conclusions mats in here. Just because the Bucs are linked to the guy doesn't mean they are going to pay him 12 million a year. It also doesn't preclude them from bringing in another wideout to play with him.

I think he's a useful player that will help the offense and Freeman out. Doesn't have to be much deeper than that.

 

[Prinefan]

Maybe I'm missing something, but if Manningham is so great, why didn't he take the #2 role for the Giants and run with it? He had a couple decent seasons with a pretty solid QB playing across from a great receiver. Yet, Victor Cruz exploded in the role everyone thought Manningham would excel in.Also, I don't consider Manningham a top tier free agent WR, but I think he wants to be paid like one. If TB pays this guy to be their WR1 they are absolute boneheads.

Agreed. I'm missing it too. Not real impressed with his lack of concentration.

 

[Grahamburn]

Lot of people breaking out their jump to conclusions mats in here. Just because the Bucs are linked to the guy doesn't mean they are going to pay him 12 million a year. It also doesn't preclude them from bringing in another wideout to play with him. I think he's a useful player that will help the offense and Freeman out. Doesn't have to be much deeper than that.

It depends what kind of contract he's looking for then. I've read he wants somewhere in the $7M per range, which is way too much to spend on a WR2 for a team that has as many pressing needs as Tampa Bay.