When Hakeem Nicks missed the first day of OTAs with the New York Giants, rumors ran wild that the receiver was the next in line to hold out for a new contract. The team is already dealing with the Victor Cruz contract drama and Nicks was rumored to be joining his side. However, his agent shot down reports that Nicks was trying to send a message to the Giants about their contract negotiations and now the wide receiver seems ok with playing out his rookie deal.
NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports that Nicks is in no hurry to negotiate a new contract with the Giants. He is looking to be the anti-Cruz when it comes to getting a new deal. He has on more year remaining on the rookie contract that he signed after being drafted and will wait for New York to approach him about a contract extension. However, the longer Nicks waits on contract talks, the more nervous the Giants will be about possibly losing a top receiver.
The Giants have a real debacle on their hands with their two biggest offensive weapons. They ideally would like to keep both Nicks and Cruz, but both could end up hitting the free agent market in 2014. Cruz is currently waiting to get a long-term deal and Nicks will likely want something in range of what he signs for. Mike Wallace, this year's top wide receiver free agent, signed for $60 million over five years with the Miami Dolphins. Nicks can expect a deal close to that number.
The Giants will wait to talk contracts with Nicks until after the season. They likely want to give him a big deal because he draws more attention from a defense, but Nicks has had trouble staying healthy and that could factor in to his value. If Nicks returns this season in true dominating fashion and puts up productive numbers, the Giants will give him the long-term contract he desires. If Nicks has another season riddled with leg injuries, New York will let the free agent market determine Nicks' worth and not worry about figuring out a contract right away.
Curz will get his deal first and the team can focus on Nicks. With his willingness to play out his rookie contract, the Giants have some time on their hands to figure the situation out.
