... to sign Eli Manning to a contract extension. They either had to sign him this offseason or next season as free agency loomed.

But did they have to make him the highest paid player in the NFL?

Eli wants to stay with the Giants. He demanded a trade to New York at the 2004 draft, so I think it's safe to say he would work with the Giants to get a deal done. The Giants could have even placed the franchise tag on him at the end of this season, which is when he was scheduled to become a free agent.

Why not see what kind of quarterback Eli is this year without Plaxico Burress and then decide about his future with your organization?

Bleacher Report - NFL