The New York Giants and wide receiver Victor Cruz are finalizing a new contract for the formerly underpaid wide receiver, according to reports.
Cruz, who broke out two seasons ago, is putting pen to paper on a six-year, $45.879 million contract that includes the one-year first-round franchise tender Cruz signed in June while haggling for a new pact.
The 26-year-old Cruz had 86 receptions for 1,092 yards and 10 touchdowns. The previous year was even better for the salsa dancing pass-catcher, when he hauled in 82 passes for 1,536 yards and nine scores. Both he and Hakeem Nicks are in need of new deals, and Cruz is the first to receive one.
Although Nicks fits the more traditional physical profile of a top wide receiver, Cruz has been the more durable of the two, and has shown equal, if not greater, big play ability. In 2011 Cruz scored a 99-yard touchdown against the New York Jets in a must-win game that held the playoff hopes of both teams in the balance.
Last season Cruz's longest score was an 80-yard strike. Between the last two seasons Cruz has racked up seven touchdowns of 68 yards or more, and averages 15.6 yards per catch.
The new deal ratchets up the pressure on Nicks and the Giants to get something done so that Eli Manning can continue to rack up big numbers in the passing game. Nicks, however, is not reportedly close on the numbers of a new deal with Big Blue.
In a recent interview with ESPN radio, Nicks said, "Well you know my main focus is just getting into this season right now and being healthy and contributing to the team the best way possible. I love the Giants organization and I'm very happy to be a Giant."
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