Eli Manning has never been involved in any semblance of a contract squabble with the Giants but he sure sounds as if he knows what Victor Cruz is going through as the receiver remains a no-show at the team’s offseason program.
Manning said he is not going to try to “pry’’ Cruz from his home to get him to the workouts because the franchise quarterback understands the way this negotiating game is played.
“He’s got to do what’s in the best interest of him,’’ Manning said yesterday, “and that’s usually staying away and putting pressure to try to get the deal done.’’
Cruz is staying away from the Giants’ voluntary program, which began this week, because he’s a restricted free agent and thus far has not signed the $2.879 million tender that would keep him with the team for the 2013 season. Cruz is seeking a long-term contract and is looking for more than the Giants have offered — a multi-year deal averaging slightly more than $7 million per year.
There aren’t a lot of options for Cruz, as the restricted free agency period for him to sign an offer sheet with another team expires today. After that, Cruz can 1) accept the standing deal — with at least $12 million in guaranteed money — the Giants are offering; 2) sign the one-year tender or 3) continue to avoid the workouts and hope there’s more money to be squeezed out of the team.
General manager Jerry Reese was asked during his pre-draft press conference if as he shapes the roster he assumes Cruz will be on it.
“I don’t assume anything,” he said. “We’ll see. I can tell you this, when we get ready to play when the season starts we’ll have good players out there. I’m not sure if Victor will be there or not. I don’t assume anything.’’
Manning said he is not staring at the door inside Timex Performance Center anticipating Cruz will walk through.
“I have a feeling I’ll see Victor here when the contract’s done,’’ Manning said. “That’s my gut feeling. I could be wrong, but if he’s back earlier then that would be a bonus.’’
Reese did not downplay Cruz’s importance to the Giants, but he also did not go overboard extolling his talents, either.
“Obviously he was a big part of what we were doing the past few years,’’ Reese said. “He did a nice job for us, just like [Hakeem] Nicks did a nice job, just like a lot of players did a nice job. It’s all about the team for us. Victor, he was a nice piece of what we were doing and we’ll see where it goes with respect with his contract.’’
Clearly not interested in answering questions about the Cruz situation, Reese added, “Guys, look, Victor’s not here, he’s a free agent, he’s exercising all of his options and we’ll see where it goes.’’
With the NFL Draft on tap next week, starting Thursday night with the first round, the Giants would like to know if they can count on Cruz being on the roster. Reese, though, said that uncertainty will not alter the way he approaches the selection process.
“It doesn’t affect our draft, we’re just going to pick the best player up there,’’ Reese said. “If Victor’s not here we have other receivers. It’s all about team for us. One player doesn’t make your team.’’