ESPN NFL

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- All-Pro defensive end Michael Strahan has concerns about the future of the New York Giants after the team's decision to waive Kerry Collins and make Eli Manning the starting quarterback.

Strahan conceded that the NFL's top draft pick might be a franchise quarterback for the next 15 years, but said he had already lowered his expectations for this season since a rookie would be running the offense.

"I am not saying we don't have an opportunity with Eli Manning as the quarterback, but there is a difference when you have a rookie as opposed to a veteran player, and that's at any position," said Strahan, a 12-year veteran who holds the NFL's single-season record for sacks.

Expectations for the Giants were raised during the offseason after they finished 4-12 in a season in which they had hoped to contend for a championship.

Tom Coughlin replaced Jim Fassel as coach in January. The Giants were also active during free agency, bolstering their offensive and defensive lines. And they have returning talent at the skill positions with tight end Jeremy Shockey, halfback Tiki Barber, and wide outs Amani Toomer and Ike Hilliard.

Collins, who led the Giants to the Super Bowl in 2001, was going to make it all go as the quarterback.

Those plans were changed in less than a week.

Manning was acquired from the San Diego Chargers on Saturday in a draft-day trade. Collins was waived Wednesday after refusing to rework his contract. He was to make $7 million in salary and count $8.95 million against the salary cap.

The release of Collins made Manning the Giants starter this season.

Traditionally, rookie quarterbacks have not played well in the NFL.

"As an older player in this league and on this team, you just hope that it's not a situation where we sit back and wait for somebody, three, four or five years down the road to develop," Strahan said. "Because by the time it happens, I doubt I'll be here to enjoy it."

Sitting in front of his locker at Giants Stadium after working out during the offseason weight training program, the 32-year-old Strahan seemed resigned to a less-than-bright future.

He also wondered if he would be the next cap victim if he had a subpar year. He led the league with 18 sacks in 2003.

"There is a reality we all know," Strahan said. "Oh, they are not in love with any of us. They don't feel like they owe any of us anything, and I think as players, you can't feel like you owe anybody anything."

Strahan said the situation was not Manning's fault. He said the players would welcome him and try to help make him better.

"Management brought him in and management has him in the starting lineup for Day 1," Strahan said.

He wasn't the only veteran saddened by Collins' departure. Some were more optimistic.

"We didn't come here to take a step backward," Hilliard said. "We won't settle for regression. Michael Strahan and other leaders on this team will rally as a group and back the organization with its decision-making. We will go forward."

Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press