Big Blue View - Victor Cruz Contract Signing: Everything you need to knowYour place for year-round New York Giants discussion and informationhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47371/bigblueview_fave.png2013-07-09T13:27:36-04:00http://www.bigblueview.com/rss/stream/42689732013-07-09T13:27:36-04:002013-07-09T13:27:36-04:00NFL.com debates if Cruz was overpaid
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<p>Now that the Giants have signed Victor Cruz let's debate whether or not they paid him too much money.</p> <p>Monday <span>Victor Cruz</span> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> came to an agreement and Cruz signed a six-year contract worth about $46 million, ending a long offseason of negotiations. Different writers and analysts at <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000216759/article/victor-cruz-new-york-giants-will-benefit-from-contract-extension" target="_blank">NFL.com wasted zero time</a> starting the debate on whether or not the Giants overpaid their stud receiver.</p>
<p>Four NFL.com faces had a positive outlook on the signing. The only negative was from <span>Jason Smith</span>, who said that other teams, "always set the market for a star player. Even as a restricted free agent, Cruz didn't generate much interest. Teams likely were worried about his size and health over the long haul, along with a bit of regression in 2012. Cruz dropped a fair number of passes, and he's always struck me as someone who really doesn't like to get hit."</p>
<p>I don't deny, nor do any of us, that Cruz had his fair share of dropped passes in 2012, but I disagree with the idea that Cruz seems to not want to get hit. If that's the case then why play the slot?</p>
<p>Former Giants center and now NFL Network analyst <span>Shaun O'Hara</span> said that the situation is beneficial to both sides. O'Hara said Cruz is a player that doesn't let offseason shenanigans distract him from focusing on football and the Giants keep a wide receiver that fits perfectly with <span>Eli Manning</span> and the offense for the next six years. NFL.com writers like Adam Schein and Gregg Rosenthal agreed that the Cruz contract is not only beneficial from him and the team, but it will open the door for <span>Hakeem Nicks</span> to sign next offseason. Making sure that both receivers are locked up by next offseason is crucial.</p>
<p>So, now I leave the debate to you. Was Victor Cruz overpaid by the Giants, or is it a fair contract that benefits him and the team?</p>
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https://www.bigblueview.com/2013/7/9/4506710/poll-victor-cruz-overpaid-nfl-com-debate-new-york-giants-wide-receiverKelsey O'Donnell2013-07-08T21:17:01-04:002013-07-08T21:17:01-04:00Focus now on Hakeem Nicks' long-term future
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<p>With <span>Victor Cruz</span> having signed a rich new long-term contract that could keep him with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> through the 2018 season, attention now turns to the Giants other star wide receiver -- <span>Hakeem Nicks</span>. The bookend to Cruz in the Giants' passing attack is entering the final season of his contract, and could command even more than the 6-year, $46-million deal Cruz earned from the Giants, which included more than $15 million guaranteed.</p>
<p>After signing his deal on Monday Cruz promised to "put the pressure on" Nicks to see if he will stay with the Giants beyond 2013.</p>
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<p>Victor Cruz on Hakeem Nicks: "I'm definitely gonna put the pressure on him to come back, see if he wants to play with me for the long haul"</p>
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) <a href="https://twitter.com/art_stapleton/statuses/354361560568827905">July 8, 2013</a>
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<p>Cruz on Nicks: "Hakeem's his own man. He's going to make his own decisions. But I'm definitely gonna see if I can get him to stay with me"</p>
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) <a href="https://twitter.com/art_stapleton/statuses/354361877217808385">July 8, 2013</a>
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<p>Can the Giants make that happen? Should they make it happen? Right now, those are two questions that are virtually impossible to answer.</p>
<p>Weeks ago I <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bigblueview.com/2013/6/16/4430878/valentines-views-wide-receivers-victor-cruz-hakeem-nicks-rueben-randle-david-diehl">wondered in a column about the Giants' ability to keep Nicks </a>in blue long-term.</p>
<p>Financially, it will be extremely difficult for the Giants to sign Nicks long-term once his contract runs out after the 2013 season. Nicks, commonly considered the Giants' No. 1 receiver since he plays the 'Z' position that generally draws the most attention from defenses, is likely to ask for a yearly salary well in excess of the $8.5 million annually the Giants are now paying Cruz. This line from my previous column still applies:</p>
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<p>"Only seven receivers in the NFL making more than $10 million per year. Does Nicks really belong in that club?"</p>
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<p>Unless he plays a full 16-games schedule and has the best season of his career I believe the Giants would be hard-pressed to put him in that financial stratosphere. Especially when you consider that would mean roughly $20 million annually (one-sixth of the salary cap) would be tied up at wide receiver.</p>
<p>No matter what Nicks does in 2013 the Giants could decide that the prudent, and financially acceptable thing to do, is let him go and turn over his role to <span>Rueben Randle</span> in 2014. Earlier I wrote of Randle that "if he shows the Giants in 2013 that he could be a 70-80 catch receiver who can command a double team that lessens the team's urgency to sign Nicks to an expensive contract."</p>
<p>I believe that also still holds.</p>
<p>Add all of that up and I would say the odds are not in favor of Cruz and Nicks staying together long term.</p>
https://www.bigblueview.com/2013/7/8/4505354/victor-cruz-signed-attention-turns-to-hakeem-nicksEd Valentine2013-07-08T16:57:18-04:002013-07-08T16:57:18-04:00Twitter jumps for joy as Cruz signs contract
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<p>Here is some of the initial Twitter reaction to the news that Victor Cruz has signed a long-term contract with the Giants.</p> <p>The battle for a new contract has finally come to an end this offseason as Victor Cruz and the New York Giants agreed Monday on a six-year deal worth $46 million. Here is the reaction on Twitter as fans now exhale and celebrate Cruz deciding to stick around.</p>
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<p>Makes it official. <a href="http://t.co/gzepjRFo2Z">http://t.co/gzepjRFo2Z</a></p>
— Victor Cruz (@TeamVic) <a href="https://twitter.com/TeamVic/statuses/354333395473534976">July 8, 2013</a>
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<p>Cruz back! RT <a href="https://twitter.com/JayGlazer">@JayGlazer</a>: Victor Cruz and <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NYG&src=hash">#NYG</a> have agreed to terms on 5-year extension worth $43 million.</p>
— Matt Hladik (@MattHladik919) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattHladik919/statuses/354288689070878720">July 8, 2013</a>
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<p>YES Victor Cruz is signed with the Giants again 🙏👏</p>
— Bree ♡ (@brreeeee_) <a href="https://twitter.com/brreeeee_/statuses/354334242097999872">July 8, 2013</a>
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<p>welcome back <a href="https://twitter.com/TeamVic">@TeamVic</a> time for another ring</p>
— anthony mendez (@a_mendez9) <a href="https://twitter.com/a_mendez9/statuses/354334137949233156">July 8, 2013</a>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/TeamVic">@TeamVic</a> YESSSS!! SO happy you'll be staying w/my <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NYGiants&src=hash">#NYGiants</a>!! Congrats!!!</p>
— Cathy Wojcik (@cathwojcik) <a href="https://twitter.com/cathwojcik/statuses/354334051387195392">July 8, 2013</a>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/S_C_">@S_C_</a> thank you for keeping <a href="https://twitter.com/TeamVic">@TeamVic</a> on the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23giants&src=hash">#giants</a>. Lombardi or bust. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23dynasty&src=hash">#dynasty</a></p>
— Daniel Switzer (@TheRealDjSwitz) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRealDjSwitz/statuses/354334037051047938">July 8, 2013</a>
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<p>First <a href="https://twitter.com/RMcDonagh27">@RMcDonagh27</a> and now CRUUUUUUZ. It's a good day. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NYR&src=hash">#NYR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NYG&src=hash">#NYG</a> RT <a href="https://twitter.com/TeamVic">@TeamVic</a>: Makes it official. <a href="http://t.co/r8IzjapxFb">http://t.co/r8IzjapxFb</a></p>
— Stefanie Gordon (@Stefmara) <a href="https://twitter.com/Stefmara/statuses/354333800148373506">July 8, 2013</a>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/TeamVic">@TeamVic</a> yayyy so happy ! <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23GOBIGBLUE&src=hash">#GOBIGBLUE</a></p>
— Danielle Aprea (@ApreaDanielle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ApreaDanielle/statuses/354333767390867457">July 8, 2013</a>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/TeamVic">@TeamVic</a> woo hoo! Thanks for staying!<a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23welovevictor&src=hash">#welovevictor</a></p>
— Dean Boltz (@dinoboltz) <a href="https://twitter.com/dinoboltz/statuses/354335605393588225">July 8, 2013</a>
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<p>Victor Cruz said "I was smiling from ear to ear the whole time" as he was signing his contract. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NYG&src=hash">#NYG</a></p>
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoNYDN) <a href="https://twitter.com/RVacchianoNYDN/statuses/354335591007137792">July 8, 2013</a>
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<p>Yessssss, victor cruz about time, <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Giants&src=hash">#Giants</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NFL&src=hash">#NFL</a></p>
— Jack Sheehan (@Sheeeeeeehan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sheeeeeeehan/statuses/354335579007229952">July 8, 2013</a>
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<p>can't wait for football season <a href="https://twitter.com/TeamVic">@TeamVic</a> <a href="http://t.co/LijNOjrado">pic.twitter.com/LijNOjrado</a></p>
— tay. (@taylor_noss) <a href="https://twitter.com/taylor_noss/statuses/354335551312244737">July 8, 2013</a>
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<p><i>You can follow Kelsey O'Donnell on Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/KelsODonnell" target="_blank">@KelsODonnell</a></i></p>
https://www.bigblueview.com/2013/7/8/4504904/victor-cruz-contract-signing-twitter-reaction-new-york-giants-fansKelsey O'Donnell2013-07-08T16:46:11-04:002013-07-08T16:46:11-04:00Relieved Cruz says he is just getting started
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<p>Newly-signed <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> wide receiver <span>Victor Cruz</span> said Monday afternoon that the 6-year, $46-million contract he signed earlier in the day has given him a feeling of "relief."</p>
<p>"I feel I can just kick back and play football again." Cruz said in a statement released by the Giants.</p>
<p>Cruz, a Paterson, N.J. native who fought his way to stardom after arriving in the NFL as an undrafted free agent from UMass, was emotional after contract was finalized.</p>
<p>"On the way here I was talking to my girlfriend (Elaina Watley)," Cruz said. "She said, ‘You fight 26 years all your life, up and down, going through the trials and tribulations, for this one day. To come from where I've come from - a lot of guys don't see graduation day in college, let alone this day in the National Football League. Words can't even describe how I feel. Words can't even describe the energy that's flowing through my body right now. It's a beautiful, great feeling."</p>
<p>Cruz has 168 catches for 2,628 yards and 19 touchdowns. He set the franchise's single-season record for yards receiving in 2011 with 1,536 and salsa-danced his way into the hearts of Giants' fans.</p>
<p>Worried that Cruz' work habits will change or that he won't be as motivated to succeed now that he has the big-money contract he sought? The proof will come on the field, but Cruz is confident his production won't change.</p>
<p>"This is just another step to getting where I want to be at the end of my career," said Cruz. "I love to do well for my team and do well each and every year and continue to prove myself and not feel complacent and not feel I've done enough. I want to continue to have catches and yards and touchdowns and help my team win and get to the playoffs and get to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">the Super Bowl</a>.</p>
<p>"To do that in such an early part of my career was outstanding, but you want more, you want to continue to feel that. The work is just getting started for me. It's a whole new window of opportunity, a whole new world for me after this contract."</p>
<p>The 26-year-old is not concerned that he missed OTAs and mini-camp, although he admitted being away from his teammates "was the hardest part for me."</p>
<p>"I've been getting some local guys I played with to throw to me," he said. "I've been training. During the offseason program here, I was trying to develop an offseason workout for myself with my trainer. I feel like I'm ready to go. I feel like I'm prepared. I feel good and I'm excited.</p>
<p>"I think we'll be okay in terms of coming into camp. Eli and I have a great rapport. I think we're going to get together on our own before camp starts."</p>
<p>General manager Jerry Reese said the Giants were "pleased to have this behind us."</p>
<p>"Now Victor can focus on football. Training camp is approaching quickly, and we all have a lot of work to do to get back where we want to be."</p>
https://www.bigblueview.com/2013/7/8/4504950/victor-cruz-signing-reaction-new-york-giantsEd Valentine2013-07-08T13:27:42-04:002013-07-08T13:27:42-04:00Giants, Cruz agree to 6-year, $46 million deal
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<p>The Giants and wideout Victor Cruz have reportedly agreed to a six-year, $46 million deal</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Giants</a> and wide receiver <span>Victor Cruz</span> have agreed to terms on a six-year extension worth $46 million,<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/JayGlazer/status/354287601978580993">according to FOX Sports' Jay Glazer.</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/JayGlazer/status/354287601978580993%20"></a>The long-term deal is an extension of the one-year tender worth $2.879 million he signed in June. <a target="_blank" href="http://t.co/9wjs4n6THH">According to FOX Sports' Mike Garafolo</a>, the deal is worth $45.879 million through the 2018 season.</p>
<p>Cruz is expected to sign the contract by Tuesday.</p>
<p>If <a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/new-york-giants-wide-receiver-victor-cruz-agree-to-five-year-43-million-extension-070813" target="_blank">the terms of the deal</a> are correct, Cruz will earn $7.65 million per year -- $8.6 million annually in "new money." He'll also <a href="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/07/08/cruzs-signing-bonus-just-shy-of-10-million/" target="_blank">earn a signing bonus</a> of about $10 million.</p>
<p>It was previously reported that the Giants were hoping to pay Cruz around $8 million annually, while Cruz was seeking $9 million. ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported the deal was <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bigblueview.com/2013/6/25/4464496/espn-shocking-if-new-york-giants-victor-cruz-fail-to-reach-long-term">expected to be a compromise</a> somewhere in the middle.</p>
<p>Early indications were that Cruz was looking to get between $15-18 million guaranteed, and Glazer reported the deal includes $15.6 in guarantees. <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/RVacchianoNYDN/status/354289373484818433%20">The New York Daily News' Ralph Vacchiano</a> is being told it's a little more than $15 million, which is on par.</p>
<p>The deal now makes Cruz the league's <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/evansilva/status/354290053771563008%20">17th-highest paid wide receiver</a> in terms of annual salary. He ranks just behind <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Falcons</a> wideout <span>Roddy White</span> and <span>Marques Colston</span> of the <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Orleans Saints</a>.</p>
<p>Cruz's deal is worth more than $2 million more per year than what the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> dished out to <span>Danny Amendola</span> earlier this offseason. It is also greater than the $6 million per year <span>Wes Welker</span> signed for with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a>, though Welker is already 32 years old.</p>
<p>Cruz will hit free agency again when he is 31 years of age.</p>
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<p><i>Follow Sam on Twitter </i><a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/samspiegs">@SamSpiegs</a></p>
https://www.bigblueview.com/2013/7/8/4504232/new-york-giants-victor-cruz-agree-to-5-year-43-million-dealSam Spiegelman