Eli says being backup 'not real fun,' unlikely to return in same role

For the first time in his lengthy career, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning was a backup for the majority of an NFL season this year. The 38-year-old didn't particularly enjoy the experience and says he's unlikely to come back in the same role.

"I doubt it. I doubt it," Manning replied Monday when asked about returning to the Giants as a backup in 2020. "Backing up's not real fun."

The pivot also told reporters that "everything's an option" regarding his future, according to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk.

Manning started the first two games of the 2019 season before being replaced under center by first-round rookie Daniel Jones. Eli made two more starts for New York down the stretch, as he filled in for Jones during Weeks 14 and 15.

In his four appearances this year, Manning completed 61.9% of his passing attempts for 1,042 yards and six touchdowns against five interceptions. Jones produced an identical completion percentage while racking up 3,027 yards and 24 touchdowns with 12 interceptions.

The Giants finished their 2019 campaign at 4-12 before parting ways with head coach Pat Shurmur on Monday after two seasons in charge.

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