By holding their ground, the Giants yesterday secured the services of the popular and productive Victor Cruz at a price they can live with, and one that does not preclude them making a run after this season to re-sign Hakeem Nicks, the other starting receiver.
“Oh, yeah, I’m definitely going to put the pressure on him to come back and see if he wants to play with me for the long haul,’’ Cruz said of Nicks after signing a five-year extension. “We’ll see how it goes, but Hakeem’s his own man, he’s going to make his own decision. But I’m definitely going to see if I can get him to stay with me for a couple years.’’
The Giants envision a Nicks-Cruz tandem hooking up with Eli Manning for years to come. Nicks, entering the final year of his rookie deal, will make $2.7 million in 2013. The Giants can slap the franchise tag on him for the 2014 season.
“I’m concerned as a teammate and a friend because I want to see Hakeem around in Giants blue for as long as we’re together in the National Football League,’’ Cruz said. “There’s ways to create space, there’s ways to do things. That’s a road the Giants have to cross when they get there.’’