John Mara (Bill Kostroun/New York Post)
NEW ORLEANS — The Giants aren’t interested in breaking the bank for any player, including Victor Cruz.
Co-owner John Mara made that clear yesterday, saying “there is a limit” to what Big Blue are prepared to pay their Pro Bowl wide receiver as Cruz tries to convert his surprise success into a big-bucks contract.
“We certainly want him back, but like with any player, there’s a limit to where we’re going to go,” Mara said after attending NFL commissioner Roger Goodell’s state-of-the-league press conference. “He’s been a terrific player for us, and he’s a fan favorite and does a lot for our franchise, but there is a limit.”
In a phone interview with The Post yesterday, Cruz wouldn’t say if he is considering a holdout but reiterated his desire to be among the NFL’s richest players at his position.
“I have definitely proven myself to be one of the highest compensated receivers in the league,” Cruz said. “That’s kind of the way that I feel and my team feels, not only on the field, but as well as what I bring to the Giants as a brand and as an activist and person in the community. I think all of that taken into account, I’m definitely not asking for much as far as what’s on the table.”
Cruz wants to be among the highest-paid wideouts in the league after rolling up 168 catches for 2,628 yards and 19 touchdowns in the past two seasons, but the Giants have all the leverage for at least the next year because Cruz isn’t eligible for unrestricted free agency until after the 2014 season.
If the sides can’t reach a deal this year, the Giants can either tender him as a restricted free agent next winter and match any offers or allow him to depart and receive a draft pick in return.
Mara said Big Blue would tender Cruz at the first-round level, meaning they would commit nearly $3 million in salary or receive a first-round pick in return.
The Giants have been discussing a new deal with Cruz to atone for the former undrafted free agent being so underpaid (he made a relatively paltry $490,000 this season), but Mara indicated the initial demands coming from Cruz have been far too rich for Mara’s blood.
By comparison, the Cardinals’ Larry Fitzgerald ($13.2 million) was the highest-paid wideout in the league this season.
Mara agreed that Cruz is a valuable player, but said the Giants have to be smart about it in the bigger picture.
“There’s a limit with any player,” Mara said. “You have a salary cap, and if you spend too much money on a thing that’s going to limit you in other areas where we have needs.”
Even so, Mara sounded optimistic the Giants have more than enough time to get a contract that pleases both sides.
“You know what? This is the best place for him to be playing,” Mara said. “He’s become so popular in our area that I think it’s in his best interests to stay, but that’s my sales pitch. I think we’ll get something done, but if not? God bless him, and we’ll wish him luck.”
— Anthony Sulla-Heffinger contributed to this report.