Giants QB Eli Manning Wants to be the Highest Paid Player in the NFL

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning has a lofty goal in his quest for a contract extension. According to the NFL Network, Manning is aiming to be the highest paid player in the NFL. The total value of a contract depends not just on the dollars but on the length of the deal, but currently, Packers QB Aaron Rodgers will be paid $22 million for the 2015 season, followed by Seattle QB Russell Wilson at #21.9 million.

At 34, this may very well be the last contract for Manning, so we can understand going for the big payday. Though he’s thought of as a good quarterback, he’s not often mentioned as an elite one. Good, great, elite, or whatever, his accomplishments include being a two time Super Bowl Champion and Most Valuable Player, a 3 time Pro Bowler, and the all time Giants leader in touchdown passes, passing yards, and completions. The salary picture in sports is an ever changing landscape, and the top paid player doesn’t stay in that position for long as the ceiling quickly gets higher. Manning may or may not wear the crown of Highest Paid but in a league where the bottom line is winning, Manning has indeed won and he’ll be at least close to the top when a deal is worked out.

Here’s a memorable Manning pass in Super Bowl XLII, won by the Giants 17-14 over the New England Patriots. Perhaps even more memorable is the catch by David Tyree: