There is a noticeable lack of salsa dancing at the New York Giants off-season workouts.
Victor Cruz, who has some new representation this off-season, has been a no-show thus far for Big Blue. His new alliance, which just happens to be with one of the most influential people on the planet, rap superstar Jay-Z, has dominated the headlines. While the music mogul’s company merger between Roc Nation Sports and CAA may have nothing to do with the Giants’ contract talks, it is clear that Jay-Z’s newest “recruit” will not be reuniting with the team until a long-term deal gets done.
As for the Giant’s biggest player, Eli Manning, he is okay with Cruz missing out on the action as the team participates in off-season workouts. The franchise player did suggest that it would “be a bonus” if he were present though.
“He’s got to do what’s in the best interest for him, and that’s usually staying away and putting pressure on [the Giants] to try and get a deal done,” said Manning.
With the deadline for other teams to sign Cruz’ first-round tender fast approaching, it would appear that Cruz would not be leaving New York. Instead, the restricted free-agent would then try and work out a long-term agreement to remain with the team.
The youngest Manning, also represented by CAA, thinks that a long-term contract is in the works, but that he would not poke and prod Cruz to attend the off-season program. “I think they know Victor’s importance, and his play the last two years has shown that.”
“I think they want him back, it’s just a matter of finding that line of the worth and dealing with the salary cap and all those issues to get him back at a good price,” said Manning. “Hopefully it all gets worked out, sooner rather than later, so he can get in here and we can continue to work and do everything we’ve got to do to make a strong run this year.”
It appears unlikely that Cruz will report, but the larger concern lies with his long-term future with the team. Cruz, alongside Hakeem Nicks, is one of the big playmakers on the Giants offensive unit.
