New York Giants: Victor Cruz Will Need A Big 2016
In the midst of all the free agency fervor on Wednesday, Victor Cruz and the New York Giants worked things out via a revised contract.
Courtesy of NFL.com’s Conor Orr, the Giants re-worked his contract and the former Pro Bowler, plagued by injuries the last year and a half, agreed to take less money in 2016.
Of course, Cruz understood that he didn’t have much of a choice if he wanted to stay in New York, and hitting the free agent market after missing the last season and a half would have probably equaled a lot less money than what he ended up getting.
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The fact of the matter is this: Cruz will need a very successful 2016 season if he ever wants to see a lucrative long-term contract again.
That means that it’s not enough for Cruz to see the field for the entire year; he needs to produce in a similar fashion to what he was doing before he went out with a knee injury. Just showing up and being an afterthought will likely result in the Giants cutting Cruz at the end of the season to avoid a huge cap hit of 9.4 million in 2017 and 8.5 million in 2018.
That’s right, the Giants and Cruz agreed to only rework his deal in terms of his 2016 pay. At this point, his previous contract numbers for the next two years after that remain the same, and you can bet the Giants are well aware of that problem. If Cruz comes out this season and is able to be a real threat again, there’s a chance New York leaves his future money alone (although highly unlikely after the money they paid out Wednesday).
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Cruz and the Giants should have every reason to believe his resurgence is possible: Eli Manning, under Ben McAdoo, has played better than ever in his career. Odell Beckham Jr. is a true #1 receiver that is a threat to score any time he touches the ball, and the fans truly miss and love Cruz.
One can only imagine the decibel level at Met Life Stadium the first time Cruz scores a touchdown and performs his patented salsa dance. But for that to happen Cruz needs to demonstrate he can actually make it through a complete week of practice, let alone a game.
As mentioned previously, with the huge amount of guaranteed money the Giants paid Olivier Vernon, Damon Harrison and Janoris Jenkins, Victor Cruz could be on the outside looking in after the 2016 season regardless of what he does. Big Blue may want him to re-work his deal yet again to stick around, as he isn’t getting any younger. Cruz can make them rethink that possibility with a comeback player of the year award.
Cruz has shown that he is willing to put in the work and dedication necessary to bounce back and play at a high level again. With OBJ and a healthy Cruz as playmaking options for Manning, the Giants offense could be unstoppable, especially if they shore up their remodeled offensive line.
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Sadly, if Cruz becomes injured again and/or can’t get in the end zone with regularity, his time with the Giants and in the NFL might be all but done next off-season.