Victor Cruz salsa danced his way into a new six-year contract with the New York Giants. He got close to the salary he was hoping for, making $7.5 million a season and was locked into a long-term contract. The deal solved the wide receiver issue for the Giants in the short-term and made it possible for them to give Hakeem Nicks a deal next year. While Cruz may think he signed the marquee contract of the offseason, Nicks will be the higher paid athlete come next summer.
While Cruz's deal is good money for a slot receiver, it will not compare to what Nicks has the chance of earning as a top wide receiver. Miami Dolphins wide receiver Mike Wallace is a perfect comparison as far as contracts go. He signed a $12 million per season contract as the team's No. 1 wide out, a complete player. Nicks is expected to have the same kind of contract.
The Giants view Nicks as a difference maker. Despite the injury history, he has the ability to become the main man in New York and the team is making him a priority. They were careful not to become cash strapped with Cruz's contract so they can reward Nicks at the end of the year. Eli Manning has extreme trust in Nicks as an X-factor receiver and has already voiced his support in the wide reciever re-signing next year.
If Nicks stays healthy, he is in the driver's seat when it omes to his contact. He can earn upwards of $12 million with the Giants, be franchised for $10 million or become a free agent commanding at least $11 million. Next year's free agent market also works in Nicks' favor. There will be a smaller group of wide receivers entering. Eric Decker, James Jones and Kenny Britt are all set to become free agents with Nicks being the best available.
Nicks plans on not rocking the boat with the Giants and riding out his final $2.7 million. The wide receiver is aiming to not become a distraction and go about his business. If he remains healthy and has a huge season, the pay day will come whether it is in New York or not. Being the key weapon of the team, the Giants will make sure they are the ones offering Nicks the next big contract. The team will not let this get drawn out like Cruz's negotiations did.
