NFL notebook: Giants' Manning not concerned about extension

[April 27, 2015]  The Sports Xchange
 
 New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, in the final year of his contract, is not concerned there has been no progress about an extension.

"Nothing has been brought up," Manning told NJ.com before walking in the March of Dimes' March for Babies with his daughter Ava on Sunday in Manhattan. "I haven't made a big deal about it."

The 34-year-old Manning can become a free agent at the end of the 2015 season. The Giants also have the option of placing the franchise tag on him.

Manning could command $18 million to $20 million per season, on par with the five-year, $99 million deal Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger signed last month.

Manning signed a six-year contract in 2009. It was renegotiated in March 2012, and he is set to make $17 million in 2015 and count $19.75 million against the salary cap.

--Baltimore Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta hopes to take the field in time for the 2015 season after corrective surgery on his hip in each of the last two years

The 29-year-old Pitta has undergone two surgeries to repair a fractured and dislocated hip. He suffered his second injury during a Sept. 21 game against the Cleveland Browns. He did not play the rest of the season.

Pitta worked out last week at the team facility, taking part in offseason workouts with his teammates.

In the past two seasons, Pitta has played in seven games, with 36 receptions for 294 yards and a touchdown.

--Chicago Bears defensive end Ray McDonald has been cleared by the NFL after its domestic-violence investigation, but the league continues to look at his alleged sexual-assault incident.

McDonald, who signed with the Bears last month to a one-year, $1.05 million contract that doesn't include any guaranteed money, was allowed to play for the San Francisco 49ers amid the domestic-violence accusation last year.

The NFL has confirmed that it investigated McDonald and cleared him of any violation of the personal-conduct policy. However, McDonald is also being investigated in connection with an alleged sexual assault. McDonald has not been charged in that case and he has said he will sue the woman who accused him.

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