The New York Giants might have placed first-round tender on wide receiver Victor Cruz, but that certainly will not stop teams from attempting to grab one of the top catchers in the league. Cruz is free to be in discussion with other interested teams and there are plenty of teams looking to give the receiver top dollars. The University of Massachusetts graduate could be getting interest from his local team. The New England Patriots are rumored to be considering making a run at Cruz.
CBS Sports reports the Patriots are among to teams looking to bring in Cruz this offseason. The only factor deterring the Patriots' interest in Cruz, is his decision to switch agents, recently hiring Tom Condon to represent him. In the past, the Patriots have refused to do business with Condon because he requests big money for his clients.
Cruz is looking to be paid like the top receiver in the league. The Patriots would have to not only give up their first-round pick, but also pay him top dollar. The team is already reluctant to give Wes Welker the money he is requesting so they seem unlikely to give Cruz the deal he is requesting. Cruz recorded 1,092 receiving yards last season with 10 touchdowns and could increase those numbers with Tom Brady throwing him the ball.
The New York Giants have a five-day window to match any offer Cruz receivers. The team is reportedly prioritizing receiver Hakeem Nicks over Cruz during free agency because they view Nicks as their No. 1 guy and not Cruz.
If the Patriots decide not to go for Cruz, they could use their first-round pick to get a top receiver in the draft. Prospects like Tennessee receiver Justin Hunter of DeAndre Hopkins could find themselves landing in New England.
Two high profile receivers have already switched teams this offseason. Percy Harvin and Anquan Boldin are headed to different teams so the market for a big receiver is becoming smaller. Cruz is going to have a hard time finding a team willing to pay him like the top receiver if they also have to give up their first-round pick in order to get him.