How Giants, Eli Manning could come together on money front

Eli ManningEli Manning truly wants to return for a 16th season with the Giants. If the Giants truly want him back but at a reduced price, here is what likely has to happen: Manning has to bet on himself and the improvement he says he sees in the offense and accept less money.

Manning is set to count $23.2 million on the 2019 salary cap, with the base salary in the final year of his contract sitting at $17 million. There is no realistic way for the Giants, even with aggressive maneuvering, to slash that cap hit significantly without costing them a big hit on the 2020 salary cap. That would be the ultimate insult, paying for Manning when he is not even on the roster.

Here is the best-case…