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New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning is pushing back on a report that he wants to be the highest-paid player in the NFL, saying "it's never come out of my mouth." An annoyed Manning disputed Tuesday's NFL Network report that he is seeking that level with his next contract.
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"The reports are all wrong," Manning said Wednesday before Giants practice. "That's never been said, it's never come out of my mouth, I've never said it to my agent, I don't know where people are getting their information."
Manning is in the final year on his second NFL contract. Without a new contract, his franchise tag number next season would be about $24 million.
As mega-contract figures rolled in this offseason, from Ben Roethlisberger to Russell Wilson and Cam Newton to Philip Rivers, the Giants quarterback was an invested observer.
Giants owner John Mara has said that he hopes to have his franchise quarterback signed by the start of the season. The NFL Network reported a "significant gap" remains between the team and Manning in negotiations.
Manning said he heard about the "highest paid" report when his father, Archie Manning, called him and was upset.
"I don't think about it," Manning said. "I'm not concerned about it. My focus is on practice and getting the best out of our practices and getting better."
An ESPN source said the Giants' initial offer to Manning was for $17.5 million a year, which is what he is making this year and is less than other quarterbacks such as the Chicago Bears' Jay Cutler and the Miami Dolphins' Ryan Tannehill.
Manning was asked if his agent, Tom Condon, could have communicated the desire for him to be the highest-paid player in discussions with the Giants.
Manning said the answer is no.
"I know that was never said by him, claiming that was the goal," Manning said. "I don't compare myself to other quarterbacks that way, in terms of salaries."
Manning, 34, completed a career-best 63.1 percent of his passes for 4,410 yards, 30 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 2014.
