Can Chris Manhertz continue his unlikely career with the Giants?

Chris Manhertz had a nine-year NFL career despite never playing college football. Can the 32-year-old continue his career with the New York Giants?

Let’s talk about the veteran blocking tight end as we continue our player profiles of the Giants’ 90-man roster.

The Thin

Height: 6 foot 6

Weight: 235

Age on opening day: 32

Position: Close finish

Experience: 9

Contract: One year, $1,377,500 | Upper limit for 2024: $1,152,500 | Guaranteed in 2024: 117,500 US dollars

Career to date

Manhertz attended Canisius College, which eliminated its football program in 2003. Manhertz played basketball at Canisius for four years, averaging 6.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game in 116 games.

With no chance of playing professional basketball, Manhertz switched sports. He tried out for the Buffalo Bills and was released at the end of the preseason, but ended up on the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad.

Manhertz made his debut with the Saints in 2016 and has now played in 120 regular season games, starting 53 of them. Manhertz played for the Saints, Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars and spent the 2023 season with the Denver Broncos.

Despite having no football background and being undersized for the role at 235 pounds, Manhertz has made his career as a blocking tight end. As a receiver, he was targeted just 40 times and caught 26 balls.

Outlook 2024

Joining Giant brings Manhertz full circle. He was born in the Bronx and attended Cardinal Spellman High School.

Can Manhertz stay with the Giants? He appears to be competing with Jack Stoll, another experienced blocking tight end, for a spot on the roster.

The Giants have Daniel Bellinger and fourth-round pick Theo Johnson locked into their roster spots. Former player Lawrence Cager was praised by head coach Brian Daboll this spring and has a good chance of making the 53-man roster.

Will the Giants choose the 32-year-old Manhertz or the 26-year-old Stoll? I don’t know, but I wouldn’t bet against Manhertz.