Giants owner scales back notion Geno Smith could succeed Manning

While head coach Ben McAdoo doesn't see any reason why Geno Smith couldn't eventually replace Eli Manning, New York Giants co-owner John Mara is siding more with the city's tabloids.

Smith signed a one-year contract with the Giants this offseason after getting off to a disappointing start to his career with the New York Jets. Mara thinks the quarterback could be a solid addition, but he's not ready to call him Manning's successor yet.

"Well, listen, he hasn't thrown a pass for us yet," Mara told Ralph Vacchiano of SNY on Thursday. "But we thought it was a worthwhile signing."

Smith was taken in the second round of the 2013 draft by the Jets and started 29 games over his first two seasons before being relegated to the bench for the last two years. Mara has some hope for Smith to rekindle his career, but he's going to stay in wait-and-see mode for now.

"There have been times in his career where he's played very well," Mara said. "He's got all the physical skills you could ever hope for. Let's put him on the field and see what he can do."

Fellow Giants co-owner Steve Tisch hinted last month that the team could draft a quarterback this spring, which Manning says he is open to.

Smith, however, seems to have become much more humble since his early years, vowing to learn as much as he can from Manning.