The New York Giants got one of their big wide receivers back at practice while the other continues to remain as far from team facilities as possible. Hakeem Nicks made his highly anticipated return for mandatory minicamps after a mysterious absence he is not looking to address. However, Victor Cruz has yet to be heard from. As the Giants continue to work out a favorable contract extension, head coach Tom Coughlin is starting to lose patience and optimism that things will get done on time.
Cruz's contract negotiations have been moving at a snail's pace. The team holds the upper hand in the deal. They have the option of reducing his restricted free agent tender amount from $2.879 million to $630,000. It is certainly a great deal of leverage, but whether the team decides to pull the move remains to be seen. Coughlin is starting to lose hope he will see the big playmaker any time soon.
"I've been optimistic since Day 1 but it hasn't gotten me anywhere, has it? I'll just continue to be optimistic. But the clock is running. This is something that at least he could've benefited by, if nothing else, this minicamp. But you have to realize that there is no contract as this time. So without a contract he's not going to be here," Coughlin said.
The reality that Cruz will not appear until training camp is very likely. He is currently not under any kind of contract so missing mandatory minicamps will not be an issue. He will not get fined like other players. Cruz is looking for that high-priced long-term deal and the Giants just cannot get the numbers right.
The only time Cruz has been seen in a football atmosphere was a brief appearance at a passing camp put on by Eli Manning. The two were spotted working out down at Duke University. Manning is clearly frustrated saying that passing camp is not a substitute for missing camps. He understands the league is a business and Cruz has to get his money, but he is hopeful the receiver comes back soon.
At least Manning got one target back with Nicks. The other marquee receiver showed up on time for minicamp on Tuesday, but would not speak about why he decided to skip OTAs. Nicks will also be in the hunt for a new contract and it is rumored the holdout was to send a message to the team about his pending expiring contract.
