Victor Cruz has outplayed his rookie contract and is set to become an unrestricted free agent. Cruz wants a new deal, the Giants obviously want to give him a new deal, so whats the holdup.
Per the Star-Ledger, Giants co-owner John Mara wants a deal to get done, but says there’s a limit to everything.
“We certainly want him back, but like with any player, there’s a limit to where we’re going to go,” Mara said. “He’s been a terrific player for us, he’s a fan favorite, he does a lot for our franchise, but there is a limit.”
Mara was asked if Cruz price right now is unreasonable.
“Well, right now, but that’s his agent. But that’s what agents do, and we’ve got a lot of time to work something out, and hopefully we’ll be able to come together.”
“We have a year to get that worked out.”
“Certainly if we are not able to reach an agreement with him, that would be our intention, yes,” Mara said of a tender. Mara would not confirm what tender they would use, but he indicated it would be at the first-round level, adding “you could assume it would be a relatively high tender.”
Mara sounds like a guy who wants Cruz back, but at the price he’s going to set. It sounds like he’s prepared to play hardball, and possibly lose Cruz at some point.
“I hope we can get him back, and you know what, this is the best place for him to be playing,” Mara said. “He’s become such a fan favorite, he’s become so popular in this area, I think it’s in his best interest to stay, but that’s my sales pitch anyway. I think we’ll get something done, but if not, God bless him, we’ll wish him luck.”