Wide receiver prospects are working out at the NFL Draft Combine Sunday, and the New York Giants are probably taking a strong look at all the candidates, especially now considering that reports out of Indianapolis are saying that soon-to-be free agent Mario Manningham will not return to New York for the 2012 season.
"75 percent chance" Super Bowl hero and soon-to-be-free-agent Mario Manningham won't return to the Giants, sources at this weekend's NFL scouting combine said there is virtually no chance he is back with the club.
The speculation is being reported by CBSSports.com, and is saying that Manningham is leaving New York for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Instead, they said, Manningham is expected to follow former Giants assistant Mike Sullivan to Tampa Bay. Sullivan, who was the Giants quarterbacks coach, recently took a job as Tampa Bay's offensive coordinator.
The reasons for Manningham's departure? Well, here are what sources are telling CBSSports.com:
First, they said, he would know Sullivan's offense, so there is no learning curve. Second, people close to Manningham indicate that he wants to go to a warm-weather club, and last time I checked Tampa Bay qualified on that score. Third, sources said the Giants probably wouldn't make him a contract offer, not only because they believe his price may be too high but because they're more interested in a wide receiver who can line up at more than one or two spots at the position, which, they said, Manningham cannot.
Of course, none of this is official but is interesting and will be something that Giants fan will need to keep their eyes on as the offseason and free-agent period progresses.
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