The New York Giants and Pro Bowl wide receiver Victor Cruz have been locked in contract talks for months.
Despite fear that their superstar target may leave Big Blue for a more lucrative offer, the Giants' organization and its fans breathed a sigh of relief back in June when the 26-year-old signed a one-year tender, keeping him in New York for at least one more season.
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Now that Giants' brass knows they'll have their Pro Bowl and Super Bowl champion wide receiver on the field for the upcoming season, ESPN's Chris Mortensen is reporting that the 2 sides will come to a long-term deal before the team opens training camp on July 26th and that no obstacles are expected.
Parameters are in place but remaining details, including contract language, need to be finalized; sources say no obstacles are expected.
It's no secret that after 2 incredibly productive seasons as an every-down player that Victor Cruz is looking for a hefty payday. Initially seeking between $10 and $11 million per season along with a substantial chunk of guaranteed money, SB Nation indicates that the Giants and Cruz will most likely settle on a deal that will pay the Patterson, New Jersey native between $8 and $9 million per season.
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Cruz would also like to receive anywhere between $15 and $18 million in additional guaranteed money and while that seems like a lot of cash for someone who is primarily viewed as a slot receiver, the New York Giants and co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch aren't against the idea of paying No. 80 that amount.
Days before Cruz signed his $2.89 million tender, Mara indicated that he obviously wanted the receiver to remain a Giant not only because of his productivity but because the 26-year-old was in the perfect position playing for a team he grew up watching, living only minutes away from the Giants' East Rutherford, New Jersey stadium.
"This is the right place for him to play," Mara said back in June to NFL Network. "He's a star in this area, he's an important part of our team, and I think we'll eventually get a deal done, but it's just a process that you have to go through. And we're going through it right now. There's communication, and it's slow but steady, and I think at some point we'll reach a deal."
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In just 2 seasons, Victor Cruz's numbers put him in the discussion as one of the best wide receivers in football. Hauling in 168 passes for 2,628 yards and 19 touchdowns, the former University of Massachusetts standout continues to build remarkable rapport with should-be future Hall of Fame quarterback Eli Manning.
Reportedly close to locking up Cruz for the long-term will now afford the Giants organization the opportunity to focus on keeping high-profile receiver Hakeem Nicks in town for the foreseeable future, giving the Giants two of the most lethal weapons in football.
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