Eli-Manning.jpg

Giants quarterback Eli Manning has one year remaining on his contract.

(John Munson | NJ Advance Media)

EAST RUTHERFORD ‐ The Giants have several large questions looming now that their season has mercifully ended. Among them, after they sort out what direction they are headed with the coaching staff, is the future of quarterback Eli Manning.

Manning, 33, will not be cut or released. Not after the bounce-back season he just produced. It's more a matter of how much longer will he be the franchise quarterback for the Giants.

The two-time Super Bowl winner has one season remaining on the six-year, $100-plus million deal he signed in 2009 and renegotiated in 2012.

Manning is scheduled to make $17.5 million next season and count $19.75 million against the salary cap in 2015. He's more than willing to enter 2015 without an extension that guarantees his job security past next season.

"It doesn't matter to me," Manning told NJ Advance Media after throwing for 429 yards in a 34-26 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday at MetLife Stadium. "I don't mind playing on the final year of the contract. It does not bother or me or make me worry about one thing."

Statistically this year was one of the best seasons of Manning's career. He finished with 30 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in his first year in the offense coordinated by Ben McAdoo. The 30 touchdowns were the second most of Manning's career. His 4,410 yards passing were also the second most of his career.

If the Giants intend for Manning to be their quarterback for at least the next three years or so, it would befit them to sign him to an extension. Additional years would allow them to lower his salary cap number considerably.

New England's Tom Brady signed a three-year contract extension last year. His salary cap number is in the $13-14 million range.

The Giants could also decide to play a wait-and-see game with Manning. He will be 34 at the start of next season, and the only quarterback to win a Super Bowl after the age of 32 in the 21st century has been Brad Johnson with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

If the Giants decide to go that route, it's fine with Manning. He doesn't intend to direct his agent to negotiate with the Giants this offseason if the team doesn't initiate the action.

"No, it doesn't matter to me," Manning said. "My job is to play football. I love what I'm doing. It's not going to be one concern to me at all."

The Giants offense progressed considerably as the season went on. They averaged 29.8 points over the final five games. Manning averaged 315 yards passing in those contests, and looked considerably more confident and comfortable in the West Coast-style offense.

Of course, all the Giants offseason moves are tied together. Coach Tom Coughlin and Manning's futures are likely intertwined, to some degree. When Coughlin goes, Manning's not likely far behind.

After three playoff-less seasons, the Giants must decide if, and when, they intend to break it down and start anew. It's hard to do that with a coach who will be turning 69 and a quarterback who will be 34.

These are the difficult decisions the Giants have to make this offseason, beginning with Coughlin and then moving on to Manning.

Jordan Raanan may be reached at jraanan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JordanRaanan. Find NJ.com Giants on Facebook.