Victor Cruz Contract: Update On The Negotiations Between New York Giants And Star Wide Receiver

Negotiations between Victor Cruz and the New York Giants seem to be progressing as the 2013-2014 season approaches.

In an interview with ESPN reporters earlier in the week, Giants' co-owner John Mara seemed optimistic Cruz would eventually sign an extension with the 2011 NFL Champions.

"It will get done at some point," Mara said. "Just be patient."

Talks of an extension for Cruz began last season while the 26-year-old receiver was on his way to completing his second-consecutive year with over 1,000 yards receiving.

As the New York Daily News reported last month, Cruz is seeking a deal that will pay him between $10 and $11 million per season. Shortly after hearing Cruz's wishes, the Giants offered Cruz a deal that would have paid him $7 million annual while also giving him a nice cushion of $20 million in guarantees.

Cruz elected not to take that offer and has still not participated in any off-season programs with the New York Giants.

While he would love to have him involved in off-season sessions and eventually see him donning the color blue, Giants General Manager Jerry Reese understands why Cruz is absent from team functions.

"He is a free agent and doesn't have a contract," Reese told ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. I can tell you this, when we get ready to play, when the season starts, we will have good players out there. I am not sure if Victor will be there or not, but I don't assume anything."

Holding out hope that the Paterson, New Jersey native will soon re-sign with the team that gave him the chance to become the superstar he is today, it is reported by Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News that Reese and the Giants' front office have sweetened their initial offer.

The new deal is said to include a base salary of $8 million per season and will include anywhere between $15 and $18 million in guaranteed money. As per Vacchiano, conversations between the Giants and Cruz's agent Tom Condon are ongoing.

It would certainly be a big lift for the Giants if they're able to re-sign Victor Cruz. As someone who provides the Giants with the ability to stretch the field and go across the middle, Cruz along with playmakers in Hakeem Nicks, newly acquired tight end Brandon Myers and running back Andre Brown solidify the Giants offense as one of the most talented units in football.

Now with a brand new deal on the table, Victor Cruz may be wise to lock up this offer while it's still available.

After all, the Giants have been known to stand their ground when it comes to negotiating contracts and if that means parting ways with the superstar, they'll work with what they have and try to build up through free agency and the upcoming NFL Draft.

With two Super Bowl championships since 2007, I'd say Jerry Reese, John Mara and the entire Giants organization feel confident in their ability to put a contender on the field, especially since the 2014 Super Bowl will be played at MetLife Stadium, a place the Giants call home.