This story should not surprise anyone. CBS Sports is reporting that New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham is "expected" to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers once free agency begins on March 13. The Buccaneers, of course, recently hired former Giants quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan as offensive coordinator. Sullivan also previously worked directly with Manningham as wide receivers coach.
Previous reports had indicated Manningham was "75 percent" sure he would be leaving as a free agent.
Manningham has 160 catches in his four seasons with the Giants, 18 for touchdowns. He, of course, made the memorable 38-yard Super Bowl catch that set up the Giants game-winning drive against the New England Patriots a few weeks ago.
The reality is that it makes sense for Manningham to move on. He is No. 3 on the Giants depth chart and can get more money and more balls thrown his way elsewhere. Tampa Bay also makes sense with the Sullivan connection.