Kerry Collins, often a stoic, admitted yesterday “my emotions were all over the charts” as he watched the NFL Draft. When the Giants acquired the rights to Eli Manning, Collins knew his greatest fears were realized.

“Obviously,” he said, “my time here is short.”

The erstwhile Giants starting quarterback is not long for the team that gave him a chance to reclaim his career, the team he led to the Super Bowl following the 2000 season. Manning’s arrival almost certainly means Collins’ departure, if only because of financial considerations. Manning will command a signing bonus approaching $20 million and Collins, entering the final year of his contract, has a base salary of $7 million and a salary cap number of $8.95 million.

Neither GM Ernie Accorsi nor coach Tom Coughlin would admit Collins’ days are numbered. Asked if Collins could remain, Coughlin said “I’m not saying that’s not a possibility.” Not exactly a vote of confidence.

Collins took the high road, thanking the Giants for the opportunity they gave him, expressing sadness that his time here is nearing an end.

“I would like to stay here and play out my contract,” he said. “I want to play one more year for the New York Giants and I want to play well. I’ll do whatever I can to help [Manning]. We’re going to be on the same team, if I’m here, this is a situation where I’m not going to be bitter, not going to hold it against Eli or the Giants.”

If the Giants cut Collins, they save $7 million on the cap. They figure to seek a trade for Collins, but his price tag makes him a hard-sell to other teams. The Giants would then likely obtain a veteran quarterback such as Jeff Blake to keep the seat warm for Manning. If Manning shows enough in training camp, he could emerge as the immediate starter.

“I think he’ll be ready very shortly,” Coughlin said.

Asked if he believed he could be an immediate starter, Manning said, “I think so. I’m going to prepare myself to play right away.”

Several Giants veterans said they preferred playing this season with Collins rather than endure growing pains with a rookie.

“That is very natural for them to want to support their teammate,” Accorsi said.