Bucs Interested in Manningham

Added on Feb 27, 2012 by Scott in

NFL

Mario Manningham might not be back in New York/New Jersey in 2012, but he should be able to parlay his Super Bowl heroics into a sizable free agent contract. One of the teams showing interest in the wide receiver is Tampa Bay, who reportedly will make an offer once free agency begins. Manningham is pretty much resigned to the fact that he won’t be a Giant next season, stating a “75 percent chance” he won’t return.

Big Blue General Manager Jerry Reese was mum on Manningham’s future at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. That doesn’t mean much in the grand scheme. because smart general managers don’t reveal their free agency plans early. However, all signs are pointing to the fourth-year wideout not being retained.

The connection to Tampa Bay has been a focal point since Giants quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan left to become the Bucs new offensive coordinator. The assumption is Manningham will be a good fit in Sullivan’s system, and Tampa does need another receiver opposite Mike Williams.

After two productive seasons in 2009 and 2010, Manningham’s numbers dipped significantly in 2011, due in part to nagging injuries, but due in large to the emergence of Victor Cruz, who exploded for 82 catches, 1536 yards and nine touchdowns. With Hakeem Nicks on the other side, Mario is clearly the odd man out.

There have also been persistent rumors about Manningham’s versatility, or lack thereof. He’s strictly an outside receiver, unlike Cruz and Hicks, who are both capable of playing in the slot. He lacks the skill set to be a true number one and has been a part-time starter throughout his career. Bottom line: he’s an average NFL wide receiver. However, some team, maybe Tampa, will overpay to bring him aboard.

The Giants are thin at the position behind Cruz and Nicks, but they are one of the league’s best drafting franchises, so landing a potential replacement shouldn’t be cause for concern.

Source: CBSSports.com