Chris Manhertz has had a nine-year NFL career despite never playing college football. Will the 32-year-old be able to continue his career with the New York Giants?
Let’s discuss the veteran blocking tight end as we continue our player-by-player profile of the Giants’ 90-man roster.
Brief summary
Height: 6 foot 6
Weight: 235
Age on Inauguration Day: 32
Position: Tight End
Experience: 9
Contract: One year, $1,377,500 | 2024 cap hit: $1,152,500 | Guaranteed in 2024: $117,500
Career so far
Manhertz attended Canisius College, which ended its football program in 2003. Manhertz played basketball for four years at Canisius, appearing in 116 games, averaging 6.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.
With no path into professional basketball, Manhertz switched sports. He tried out with the Buffalo Bills and was cut at the end of the preseason, but joined the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad.
Manhertz played his first game with the Saints in 2016 and has played in 120 regular season games with 53 starts. Manhertz has played for the Saints, Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars and is with the Denver Broncos until 2023.
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Despite having no football background and being small for the role with a listed weight of 235 pounds, Manhertz has built a career as a blocking tight end. He has been targeted just 40 times as a receiver and has 26 catches.
2024 outlook
Being a Giant has come full circle for Manhertz. He was born in the Bronx and attended Cardinal Spellman High School.
Can Manhertz stick with the Giants? It looks like he’ll have to compete with Jack Stoll, another veteran blocking tight end, for a spot on the roster.
The Giants have added Daniel Bellinger and fourth-round pick Theo Johnson to the roster. Holdover Lawrence Cager was praised by head coach Brian Daboll this spring and appears to have an inside track to make the 53-man roster.
Will the Giants select the 32-year-old Manhertz or the 26-year-old Stoll? I don’t know, but I wouldn’t bet against Manhertz.
