EAST RUTHERFORD ‐ On one end of the spectrum, there is Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson entering a contract year.
Wilson was a third-round pick. He made $662,000 last year.
On the other end of the spectrum, there is Giants quarterback Eli Manning entering a contract year. He had a $15.65 million salary last season.
Manning was the No. 1 overall pick in 2004. He's pocketed well over $100 million in career earnings alone. He's comfortable financially.
It's why Manning doesn't have an insurance policy protecting him this season from a career-ending injury. The Giants and Manning haven't talked about a contract extension this offseason.
Wilson does have insurance, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
"I had insurance in college, I've had insurance in the NFL as well," Manning said. "I don't know if I have it right now. I don't think I do. I think we kind of let it go."
You can do that when you're on Forbes' list of the highest-paid athletes for 2015, making an estimated $23.7 million.
Manning, 34, has reached the point of his career where he feels the insurance isn't necessary. He's a two-time Super Bowl winner with an impressive on and off-the-field portfolio.
MORE FROM MINICAMP:
Wilson, 26, is still looking for that big payday from the Seahawks. It has yet to come despite two straight trips to the Super Bowl. He already has one ring.
"Probably a smart thing for Russell to do in the circumstances he's in now. You want to protect yourself," Manning said. "You just never know."
Disability insurance policies have been around for a while. They've been commonplace for college stars for years. But they've recently become more common for NFL veterans.
It's not just quarterbacks that take out insurance on themselves entering a contract year. Wide receiver Victor Cruz did it in 2012 entering the final year of his deal. He eventually scored a six-year, $45.879 million contract extension in January of 2014. He received over $15 million guaranteed.
That, however, was Cruz's first major payday. He was originally undrafted out of UMass and playing for the NFL minimum.
Manning's not in anywhere near a similar financial situation. He's set to pocket $17.5 million this season alone, and doesn't need future protection at this point of his career.
Jordan Raanan may be reached at jraanan@nj.com. Follow him on Twitter @JordanRaanan. Find NJ.com Giants on Facebook.
