Eli Manning has a selfish reason for feeling relieved Victor Cruz finally has secured a long-term deal to remain with the Giants.
“It’s going to be nice to not have to answer any more questions about Victor and his contract status with the team,’’ Manning said Tuesday in an email response.
Indeed, Manning was asked non-stop about Cruz’s absence during the offseason workout program, during the organized team activity practices, during the mandatory minicamp and at various functions and appearances. He offered similar reactions every time, stating he wished Cruz was on the field but, understood that without a contract, Cruz was wise to distance himself from the team.
Now that Cruz is contractually bound to the Giants through the 2018 season, Manning knows he will be throwing to one of his favorite targets for years to come.
“It’s great to get Victor signed long-term and before the start of training camp,’’ Manning wrote. “Obviously, he has been a big part of our offense. He has worked really hard on the field to become the player he is and I look forward to continuing our work together.’’
Manning is not alone in that thought. Safety Antrel Rolle thoroughly enjoys the challenge of going against Cruz every day in practice, which is one reason Rolle said he’s thrilled Cruz finally signed a five-year contract extension.
Not that facing Cruz is easy.
“If he gets a step on you, you can pretty much cancel Christmas,’’ Rolle said Tuesday on NFL Total Access.
Christmas came early for Cruz this year. On Monday, he signed what essentially is a six-year deal worth nearly $46 million, including $15.6 million in guaranteed money.
As far as competing against the Giants’ starting receivers, Rolle said Cruz and Hakeem Nicks are “totally different to defend’’ because of their styles.
“Hakeem Nicks, I think he is a little more deceptive than Victor Cruz,’’ Rolle said. “When you look at Nicks you might not think he is moving as fast but when you are up against him, running with him, you understand this guy is moving. His hands are probably the biggest I’ve ever seen on a receiver. I call him ‘The Silent Killer.’ His routes are so smooth. Everything he does is so smooth.
“Victor Cruz is going to always put a little bit of salsa on it. I think he goes out there and gives you the wiggles, gives you the shake and he is exceptionally quick.”