Loading ...As anticipated, the New York Giants will tender restricted free agent (RFA) wide receiver Victor Cruz at a first-round level. However, co-owner John Mara anticipates Cruz getting a lot of attention around the league and says he "wouldn't be surprised" if another team signs the young wide receiver to an offer sheet.
"If he took our offer he'd be a very wealthy young man," Mara said on Monday. "[But] there's a limit … if someone is willing to pay more than we are, then we'll have to say goodbye."
Mara noted that the Giants made Cruz a "substantial offer," but his agent turned it down. Luckily, because the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) prevents the poison pill, the Giants have "a little more comfort" in regards to Cruz's future.
But true to previous reports, the team anticipates Cruz will generate quite a buzz on the restricted free agent market, and the St. Louis Rams have been mentioned as a team that is prepared to make a very serious play for him. The Minnesota Vikings are another team that may take a stab at Cruz, and having just traded Percy Harvin in exchange for a first-round pick (and more), they have the ammo necessary to acquire him if they opt to go that route.
"I also think I'll say one other thing" Mara added. "I think Victor is smart enough to realize that he belongs in this area. I think he’s done very well for himself off the field. He’s a very popular player here. He’s had a lot of off the field opportunities. So hopefully all those other things will enter into his consideration."
In addition to tendering Cruz at a first-round level, Mara says the Giants will tender safety Stevie Brown and running back Andre Brown at second-round levels. Running back Ryan Torain will not be tendered, but the team "would like him back."
Coming into the day, the Giants had an estimated $8.5 million in cap room, but with the tender amounts for Cruz ($2.8M), S. Brown ($2M) and A. Brown ($2M), they are now down to approximately $1.7 million in cap space.
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Mara says the Giants have made Cruz “a very substantial offer” that “would make him a very wealthy young man.”
Both Browns tendered at 2nd round level.
That’s not a good sign for keeping KP. That means that we think really highly of Andre.
ug a 2nd rd tender for Andre Brown? What is the salary difference between the Original rd and 2nd rd tender?
About 700k. It’s not that big. I thought we should do original but it’s not hurting us that much cap wise.
rp:
Just hypothetically speaking:
If Harvin, who is injury prone and expecting Calvin Johnson money rakes in three picks, what could Cruz rake in if he was under the reasonable contract he might get signed to?
If Cruz goes to the Vikings with CHRISTIAN PONDER throwing at him… may god have mercy on his soul. Percy Harvin could line up on the outside, Cruz is gonna be stuck in the slot with a sub par QB.
Both Brown’s tendered at 2nd round level.
Daniel Jeremiah speculates would make sense for Minnesota to make a run at Cruz given need for WR now plus multiple 1st rounders.
Why not just extend Harvin then? Or why not go after a free agent WR that requires not giving up a draft pick.
Because Harvin 1) hated being in Minnesota. 2) Wanted Calvin Johnson money. 3) is always hurt.
If Giants let Cruz walk, I’ll be pretty perturbed.
All the buzz on Twitter is saying the Vikings could offer one of their first rounders Cruz. I would hate to see Cruz go.
Well I guess it wouldn’t be a trade rather than signing him and giving up the first rounder.
Why would the Vikings trade Harvin only to sign Cruz to a monster deal? Not sure that makes sense..
Cruz wouldnt be getting the deal Harvin wanted. Harvin wants Calvin money.
This is why the only good investment in buying a team jersey in the NFL is the franchise QB. Would have thought Cruz was a lifer. Be curious to see what the Harvin contract extension looks like, as it would be a very good measure for Cruz.
Thats why i buy the knockoffs from China, as immoral as that may be. Can’t beat 45 bucks for a couple years of wear.