Offseason 2014: New York Giants vs. Victor Cruz

Jan 26, 2013, Honolulu, HI, USA; New York Giants receiver Victor Cruz (80) carries the ball in the 2013 Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

With the latest negotiations between GM Jerry Reese and star WR Victor Cruz spiraling – looking ahead to the 2014 offseason seems more intriguing than ever.
Victor wants to be paid as a top tiered receiver in this league two years after his emergence from the practice squad. Victor has averaged more than 80 receptions, 1,200 receiving yards and two pro bowls since 2011, but more importantly established himself as Eli’s go to receiver.

Victor Cruz will get paid, but the question is what GM will give him what he’s asking for. According to SB Nation, arguably the league’s top slot receiver wants to be paid more like an X & Y at a 9 million dollar annual salary, while the Giants front office is reportedly around 7 a year. Projected free agent wide receivers holding out have benefited them in the past – most recently Mike Wallace. The Steelers allowing the speedy wide out to hit the open market ultimately allowed teams to outbid their offer of 7 million a year…by a long shot. Wallace signed his deal with the Dolphins less than a week of becoming an unrestricted free agent. While they may be two different receivers with different playing styles, the Giants have to sign #80 before he’s an unrestricted free agent, and has the chance to weigh his options.

After listening to interviews from Coach Coughlin, OC Kevin Gilbride, GM Jerry Reese and several teammates on blooming star Ruben Randle – it brings up a thought. Would the Giants offer a max contract to Hakeem Nicks – and let VC walk? Rueben Randle has not shown the explosiveness of a Victor Cruz but both Cruz and Nick’s absence from offseason work outs may have unknowingly given the Giants an option at receiver if Reese chooses not to shell out 100+ million on the two star receivers. With reports coming out at the beginning of the offseason that the Giants main concern was resigning Hakeem Nicks, with their take it or leave it proposal to VC, resigning Nicks may be their only concern in the upcoming offseason.

GM Jerry Reese’s rap sheet speaks for itself – from the signing of Antrel Rolle to letting Steve Smith leave to sign with the Eagles and obviously his drafting success. While a decision to let Cruz walk would be a huge blow for the whole tri-state area, GMEN fans should enjoy seeing that salsa dance while they still can because the future is uncertain.