The Giants informed wide receiver Victor Cruz that he will be released, according to Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record (on Twitter). Cruz would have counted for $9.4MM against the Giants’ cap but his release this afternoon will free up $7.5MM in cap space. 
Last year, Cruz accepted a pay cut which took his base salary from $7.9MM to just $1.3MM. This year, some expected the two sides to work out another pay slash which would allow the salsa dancing wide receiver to stay on board. For one reason or another, that did not come to fruition. For his part, Cruz was vocal about wanting to stay in New York, but he also admits that he’d like to perhaps go elsewhere and return to his roots.
“That’s a good question. Maybe. You never know,” Cruz said earlier this month when asked about the possibility. “I think you’ve just got to take it as it comes, eat the food that’s given to you, and see how it tastes. That’s kind of the term I like to use. But we’ll see. Playing the slot is obviously something that I’m best at, and an opportunity to do that would definitely be great.”
This past season was Cruz’s first full campaign since 2013. In 15 games, he caught 39 of 72 targets for 586 yards and one touchdown. Cruz is still hoping to get back to his 2011-2013 form. In those seasons, he averaged 80 catches for 1,209 yards and eight touchdowns. He also earned his lone Pro Bowl selection in 2012.
Could Victor Cruz come to New England?
How many slot receivers does NE need?
Pretty sure we need zero
Amendola might be gone if he’s not willing to re-structure his contract I’ve heard.
I mean he does fit the bill of a Pats receiver: veteran that’s not too far removed from his prime and he has the local connection of going to college at UMass Amherst
Steelers or Ravens. They both could use a vet guy at WR. Unless he has nothing left. Probably not gonna play much in Pittsburgh but could be the #1 guy in Baltimore.
Actually he could, but not in the slot, that’s Eli Rodgers spot and the coaching staff is pretty high on him.
Plus a young and fresh Eli Rogers vs an old and broken down Victor Cruz is probably an easy victory for Rogers. Perhaps Cruz’s best bet is to get a minimum contract from a non-contender.
He was a great Giant…… Thanks Victor…… you will be missed….???
Sad to see Cruz go this way, but it’s the nature of sports. When you get older, make a lot of money, have an injury history and your production falls you’re gonna get cut. I would have liked to see the Giants restructure his deal and bring in a taller, bigger possession type receiver and have Cruz mentor the younger receiving core.
I guess we can use the cap savings towards resigning either JPP or Hankins, or both.
Thanks for the years of joy and excitement you brought this Giants fan!
So bring Plax out of retirement?
I didn’t realize that he was over 30.
As a Giants fan it was frustrating to see him play out of the slot. He’s just not meant to be anywhere else. Any team would be lucky to have him as their slot receiver. He still has potential to put up great numbers again if he gets moved back