The New York Giants' organized team activities are not exactly off to the start they were hoping for. The team is currently in deep discussions trying to get star wide receiver Victor Cruz signed to a long-term contract. He has not been seen yet at Giants' facilities, holding out until the team finally gives him the deal that he is looking for. Now, they have another hold out on their hands. Receiver Hakeem Nicks was also absent from OTAs, reportedly trying to send a message about his upcoming contract.
The Giants were expecting to see Nicks at practice and were shocked when he failed to show. Nicks' agent, Peter Schaffer, denied that Nicks was a no show due to his pending contract, but would not discuss the matters anymore. He will not be fined for not appearing as OTAs are voluntary.
Nicks is entering into the final year of his current contract with the team. Both Cruz and Nicks could be hitting the free agency market next year if Cruz eventually signs a free agency tender with the team. When Nicks' contract is up, his requested salary will likely be driven by what Cruz signs for with the team. It is reported he will be looking to sign in the range of $12 million per year.
It is clear by Nicks' absence from OTAs, he is unhappy with the way the team is handling the contract talks with Cruz. Both Eli Manning and head coach Tom Coughlin were confused as to why Nicks was not present. Coughlin would only say that Nicks "should be here." Manning was left to throw passes to Jerrel Jernigan and Rueben Randle, far from the core group the Giants intended on having.
"You'd like everybody to be here so we can work on getting better, but you deal with what you have and go on," Manning said.
Nicks has been present at the Giants' facilities and other team activities. He attended a team fundraiser for the United Way on Tuesday night, but on Wednesday morning, he was nowhere to be found.
It is unclear whether the holdout from Nicks will stretch throughout OTAss. He is expected to pick up much of the receiving slack while Cruz is absent. If the contract extension with Cruz gets done soon like the team hopes, both players will likely make their way back to practice.
