Cruz Not Cruising

Many NFL players get contracts that they never live up to and end up being released by their team. Some perform way above the expectations of anyone. We are seeing that with WR Victor Cruz of the New York Giants.

Cruz was undrafted in 2009 and has been one of the league's most productive receivers over the last two seasons. As a restricted free agent, his options are limited. He is looking for about $10 million per season which the Giants are not going to offer. They are offering $7 million as a starting point.

If he signs his free agent tender, he will earn $2.879 million for 2013. This will still keep him below the level of pay he should be getting based on his production. So far, he has been the good soldier, but his lack of a contract might force him to miss the first mandatory mini-camp.

The Giants have the upper hand in the negotiations. He could sign the one year tender and become an unrestricted free agent after the season. There is a lot of money at stake on both sides. If Cruz makes the wrong decision, it could cost him millions and become something  he regrets for the rest of his life.