Rotten Apple: Eli era in New York likely coming to an end for the Giants

The New York Giants are ready to turn the page on the Eli era

Few things have gone the way of the New York Giants in 2017, and with the new year approaching they’re ready to start a new chapter in their franchise’s history.

Both veteran quarterback Eli Manning and young cornerback Eli Apple are expected to depart this offseason for entirely different reasons. Manning, the face of New York football for over a decade, has simply fallen off his pedestal and is at the backend of his illustrious career.

Apple, the Giants first round pick in 2016, is virtually forcing his way out of town for being a locker room distraction. Fellow Giants defensive back Landon Collins publically called Apple a “cancer” in the locker room. Apple was ultimately suspended for the remainder of the 2017 season after refusing to practice with the scout team and getting into an argument with a member of the coaching staff.

Dan Graziano reports that there’s a clause in Apple’s contract that would allow the Giants to void the remaining guaranteed money.

"“among other things, ‘Player is suspended by the NFL or by the Club’ or ‘Player engages in conduct reasonably judged by the Club to adversely affect or reflect on Club, in Club’s sole discretion.’”"

Apple is owed $1,827,484 in 2018 and $2,516,226 in 2019 if he’s released, but it would potentially save New York approximately $12 million.

It’ll be ironic should both their New York careers end this offseason with their names and expectations. New York was due for another playoff run with Eli and Eli helping lead the way on each side of the ball. Both have turned rotten this year, whether it be at the surface or at their core.