Jim O’Connor-USA TODAY Sports
As the New York Giants started their minicamp Tuesday, talks regarding restricted free agent wide receiver Victor Cruz and his contract situation were moving ‘very slowly,’ according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. It appears they are not gaining any steam towards reaching a deal.
Apparently, last month the Giants and Cruz were extremely close to reaching a deal – in football terms, it was quoted that they were at “the two yard-line.”
Well, it looks like that is out the window as the new reports, again, suggested they were far apart and no where near close. Cruz is set to earn $2.879 million if he were to sign his tender.
Here’s the kicker: If June 17th passes without a deal, the Giants could elect to cut that number down to $630,000. While it is unlikely the team would go forward with a move like that – assuming they still desperately want him back – the possibility is on the table.
At this point, Cruz needs to suck it up and sign his tender. He’ s not only hurting his team – and two time Super Bowl winning quarterback – but he is hurting himself. Players with these types of egos rarely win in the long run. Not only that, but it’s tougher on the locker room once a player returns from such a long holdout.
Cruz is very talented, but like most agree, not worthy of a big-time wide receiver’s contract like Calvin Johnson or Larry Fitzgerald. He’s strictly a slot guy and not big enough to play outside like his counterpart Hakeem Nicks. Of course, Wes Welker is paid at a higher rate than Cruz but he’s also been one of the most consistent guys in the history of the league over the years.
If Cruz wants to salvage his offseason, regular season, relationship with the team and his reputation, he will sign the tender. If not, I guess that’s his prerogative and ultimately, his loss.
Ryan Heckman is a Senior NBA writer for www.RantSports.com also contributing to the NFL. Follow him on Twitter @ryanmheckman or add him to your network on Google.
