The New York Giants are the only team in the NFL to win two championships over the past six seasons and one reason why is that they know football is a business and that players come and go, but one player they would like to stay is restricted free agent Victor Cruz.
According to ESPN.com, offensive lineman David Diehl has offered to do his part to help keep Cruz, saying in an interview on NFL Network that he would be "willing" to restructure his deal so that the Giants could retain the free agent. Cruz has a first round tender on him, meaning any team the gives him an offer sheet would have to give up their first round pick in the draft.
The Giants are trying to work out long-term deals with both Hakeem Nicks and Cruz and are in a tight salary cap situation. The team has already worked on Corey Webster's deal for help and the team could also work with Eli Manning and Chris Snee, who both said the same thing as Diehl, that they would work on their contracts to help the team.
"Nothing as of yet," Diehl said when asked if the Giants are working on altering his contract on NFL Network. "I have been there (at the facility) the last seven weeks after having my knee scoped and some surgery. I have been going there, in and out each and every day. We will see what happens, with what happens (and) plays out here with Victor Cruz."
The Giants also need to sign left guard Kevin Boothe and they already gave a five-deal to Will Beatty. Manning said on the radio that he has done that with his deal in the past and would be willing to do it again. The fact that Diehl said it is a good sign for the Giants, as they may need him to fill spots if they can't sign Boothe.
"Eli would be willing to do things, I would be willing to do some things to restructure and help other guys out and keep a great teammate (around) like Victor Cruz," Diehl said. "I have restructured before in my 10 seasons as a New York Giant. It is not something I am unfamiliar with. That is part of the business in the NFL."
Snee and Diehl have been teammates a long time and Diehl can play multiple positions on the line.
"David can play anywhere," said Snee, who passed out food at a Boost Mobile 'Shrink Hunger' event with City Harvest and Korilla BBQ in Harlem. "If you're asking me if David Diehl can play guard, he can play anywhere."
Adam Schefter at ESPN said it was unlikely that a team will give an offer sheet to Cruz, as first round picks are very valuable this year. He tweeted on Thursday: Strong belief: There's as much chance a team will sign Victor Cruz to offer sheet as there is one will deal for Tim Tebow. Neither happening."
The Giants have a $2.879 million tender on Cruz and chances are he will stay since he had over 80 catches and 1,000-yards in back-to-back seasons while working with Eli Manning. Cruz also hired Manning's agent to represent him, which is another good sign.
