The Giants have placed a first-round tender on restricted free agent Victor Cruz, according to USA Today Sports. The tender gives Cruz a non-guaranteed base salary of $2.879 million in 2013. The Giants will have the opportunity to match any offer for Cruz and should they allow him to walk, they will receive a first-round pick as compensation.
"Certainly, we're taking a risk. But we would still have to right to match, and if we decided not to do that, we're getting a first-round draft pick out of it," Giants CEO John Mara told USA Today's Mike Garafolo. Cruz exploded into the national consciousness two seasons ago with a three-catch, 110-yard, two-touchdown performance against the "Dream Team" Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3 during which he toasted All-Pro cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. He finished his breakout 2011 campaign with 82 receptions, 1,536 yards and nine touchdowns. He caught 21 passes for 261 yards and a score in the 2011 playoffs, which culminated with the Giants taking home the Lombardi Trophy.
Last season the Giants were not as successful, but Cruz proved 2011 was no fluke. He caught 86 passes for 1,092 yards and upped his touchdown total to 10. According to the New York Times, Mara has informed Cruz that the Giants want him back but said Cruz' agents want him to test free agency. The Giants are hoping that Cruz' popularity in New York will weigh heavily on his decision. "I think Victor is smart enough to realize that he belongs in this area," Mara said. "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."
There have been reports that Cruz rejected a "very substantial" offer from the Giants. Mara told CBS Sports, "If someone is willing to pay more than we are, then we'll have to say goodbye."
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