As free agency is set to begin March 12, the New York Giants will be forced to make a decision regarding their two top offensive weapons, Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz. The two wide receivers were the team's leading pass catchers in 2012. It was believed the team might have to choose between the two, but co-owner John Mara is not ruling out the option of the team keeping them both and singing them to long-term contract.
The task of resigning both receivers will not be easy. Cruz is a restricted free agent this year while Nicks is set to be an unrestricted free agent after next season. The Giants could have the financial resources to sign both to new contracts in a year's time or it could easily flatten out their salary cap room.
"They're both priorities for us. They're both terrific players. We hope they're both Giants for a long time," Mara said.
Cruz will be the first priority for the team since he will be a restricted free agent in the offseason. Cruz caught 86 passes for 1,092 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. The Giants could sign Cruz to a one-year tender to solve the short-term problem. The two sides have been working towards a long-term contract, but Mara said the price Cruz is asking for right now is simply too high.
"Nothing has changed. He'll hopefully be back with us next year, and hopefully at some point, we'll have an agreement with him," Mara said.
Nicks will hit free agency after the 2013-2014 season. He was the Giants first-round pick in 2009 and has posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and set a franchise record for single-season receiving yards in 2011. He generally plays the "X" receiver position which is reserved for the team's top receiver, but he has been hampered with injuries, most recently with his knee and foot. While he has not played a full season since being drafted, he leads the team in receiving. He caught 53 passes for 692 yards and three touchdowns in 13 games in 2012. He will expect a big contract if Cruz receives one.
Having both Cruz and Nicks signed to long-term deals could limit the Giants financially. The two work best in synergy together. One receiver is able to open up a big play opportunity for the other. If the Giants can work a deal out, they could become one of the league's top passing teams.
