With two tremendous seasons in the NFL and a Super Bowl title under his belt, Victor Cruz has a lot to be happy about.
Entering 2013 off back-to-back seasons of 1,000-plus receiving yards, Cruz wants to be rewarded for his on-field performance, either by the Giants or any team in the NFL willing to give him the money he is asking for.
While still locked in a contract quarrel with the Giants' organization, Cruz did not report to Monday's voluntary workout session at New York's practice facility in East Rutherford, New Jersey. A subtle but noticeable move that shows he is serious about getting what he wants money-wise.
NJ.com's Jenny Vrentas reports that while there is no penalty for not showing up, many Giants players including quarterback Eli Manning, wide receiver Hakeem Knicks and defensive End Justin Tuck, were in attendance. Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News also notes that Cruz will not be hit with any fines and won't face any disciplinary action from the team.
Last season, Cruz earned a base salary of $490,000 and heading into the 2013 campaign, he's seeking a more lucrative figure.
Cruz and his agent Tom Condon have been relatively quiet about any possible contract negotiations taking place but as reported by the Daily News last month, Victor Cruz is seeking anywhere from $10 to $11 million per season. The Giants reportedly submitted an offer for Cruz that would pay him $7 million per year while also providing the 26-year-old star $20 million in guaranteed money. Cruz was given a first-round tender of $2.879 million, but at this point in time has elected not sign it.
The Giants and Cruz are clearly far apart with current contract talks and since Cruz is a restricted free agent, the receiver has until Friday to seek offers from other teams. If in fact Cruz does receive an offer, the Giants will have 5 days to decide whether or not to match it, according to Vacchiano.
With Cruz not present at the voluntary workouts and with the possibility the contract dispute will continue for awhile, Giants players want nothing more than to see their star receiver on the field.
"Hopefully, when it's all said and done, he's doing a salsa in a Giants uniform this season," defensive end Justin Tuck said to ESPN reporters. "That's all I'm worried about."
A big issue for the Giants last season was the way the offense struggled from time to time. Losing 2 of their final 3 games and missing out on the postseason, the Giants know having Cruz in blue gives them a good shot to return to the playoffs in 2013.
Whether or not the two sides can agree on a financial figure is another issue.
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