The New York Giants and Victor Cruz finally inked a long-term deal that was much anticipated. The official terms of the deal break down as such; a 5-year $43 million extension to the 1-year $2.879 million restricted free agent tender Cruz signed earlier this off-season. In total it could be a ‘6-year’ deal worth a total of $45.879 million deal, which has $15.6 million guaranteed over the first two years. The lifetime of the deal signed means Cruz would be making $7,646,500 per year, while the 5-year extension means he will be making $8.6 million per year.
Getting a deal with done before training camp was a major priority for both sides, and there is relief to go into training camp with no distractions. Eli Manning knows just how important Cruz is to the Giants offense. The Giants know just how important signing Cruz to a long term deal meant as well. Signing Cruz shows players in their organization that they will reward hard work and will help inspire someone to think they can be the ‘next’ Victor Cruz. It is important for players moral to see that if you go about your business and put in the effort, the organization will take care of you.
Mixing Cruz with a healthy Hakeem Nicks, gives the Giants one of the best WR combinations in the NFL; evident during their Super Bowl 2011 Season. If Ruben Randle can step up and be a third option, just like Steve Smith and Mario Manningham have done in seasons past, than the Giants offense should be tops in the NFL. In the offense first era of the NFL, where passing is king, teams are showing more money to WR than they have in the past. Some might say the Giants over paid for Cruz, however he has earned his stripes, and his versatility after he catches the pass proves invaluable.
The Giants will face another WR contract situation in the near future. Hakeem Nicks is in the final year of his rookie contact, and will be a unrestricted free agent after this season. The Giants could always use the franchise tag if contract negotiations stall. The Giants might want to see if Nicks can stay healthy before dishing out a contract that will be more expensive than Victor Cruz’s, as the Giants see Nicks as more of a true number receiver.
Justin Lerner: PureSportsNY