Giants owner John Mara remains optimistic that his team will reach a long-term agreement with wide receiver Victor Cruz, despite admitted concern from head coach Tom Coughlin. Cruz has been absent from the team's voluntary offseason workouts while both sides look to work out a new contract for the star wide out.
"I'm pretty confident that we'll end up reaching a deal with (Cruz)," Mara said on the NFL Network. "This is not that atypical a situation. Player contracts, particularly with star players like Victor, can tend to drag on from time to time. I think we'll get it done. This is the right place for him to play. He's a star in this area, he's an important part of our team, and I think we'll eventually get a deal done, but it's just a process that you have to go through. And we're going through it right now. There's communication, and it's slow but steady, and I think at some point we'll reach a deal."
General Manager Jerry Reese has also remained optimistic in the team's standoff with the restricted free agent. Cruz's absence doesn't seem to be causing him any worry and hasn't done anything to change his optimism that both sides will eventually reach a long-term contract.
New York has reportedly offered deals in the $7-8 million per year range, while the receiver is looking for upwards of $10 million annually, according to NBC Sports. Communication has increased between the two sides, which shows that there is a desire to bridge the gap between both offered deals.
The Giants have their mandatory minicamp from June 11-13, just before they can slash Cruz's restricted free agent tender offer to $630,000 on June 17. If those dates pass without a deal, the Giants front office may decide to increase their offer.
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