Gettleman: Jones a 'franchise QB' but possible he sits 'for 3 years'

Eli Manning might not have to worry about his job security for the foreseeable future after all.

After the completion of the 2019 draft's first round, New York Giants general manager Dave Gettleman called the sixth overall pick, Daniel Jones, a "franchise quarterback" but suggested the former Duke standout might not see an NFL field for a long time.

"We may be the Green Bay model where (Aaron) Rodgers sat for three years," Gettleman said, according to Kimberly Jones of NFL Network.

While the Packers successfully developed Rodgers behind Brett Favre, it's become increasingly rare for first-round quarterbacks to ride the bench. Patrick Mahomes is the most recent exception, sitting one year behind Alex Smith before bursting onto the scene last season.

With quarterbacks on rookie deals widely considered the most valuable resource in the league, it's difficult for teams to justify wasting a young passer's cheap years.

Giants head coach Pat Shurmur said he spoke to Manning about the Jones pick, and told him "it's your job to keep this guy off the field."

Although the two-time Super Bowl winner has only one year remaining on his current deal, Gettleman has been a staunch defender of his veteran quarterback and believes Manning has years left in the tank despite a poor 2018 season.

Gettleman hasn't been shy about making unpopular moves since arriving in New York and had a message for Giants fans who were upset by the Jones pick.

"In time you'll be pleased," Gettleman said, according to the NY Post's Paul Schwartz.