Victor Cruz and Giants Agree to Re-Structured Contract

Victor Cruz – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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VICTOR CRUZ AND GIANTS AGREE TO RE-STRUCTURED CONTRACT…
Multiple media outlets are reporting that New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz has agreed to a re-structured contract. Cruz has three years left on his current contract and was scheduled to make $7.9 million in base salary in 2016 and count $9.9 million against the 2016 salary cap.

The Bergen Record is reporting that Cruz’s 2016 base salary will drop from $7.9 million to $1.3 million. The paper says playing-time incentives of up to $5.5 million plus production incentives could recoup the full value of the original $7.9 million. The NFL Network is reporting that the re-structured deal does not impact his original numbers in 2017 ($7.4 million salary) and 2018 ($8.4 million salary).

Cruz did not play in any preseason or regular-season games in 2015. Cruz was placed on Injured Reserve in November 2015 due to a left calf injury suffered in August that never healed and required surgery. It is the third leg injury that Cruz has suffered since signing his big 6-year contract in July 2013, including arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in 2013 and career-threatening patellar tendon surgery on his right knee in 2014.

“Once a Giant, always a Giant,” Cruz posted on Instagram Wednesday night. “See you in September.”

MARCH 9, 2016 NEW YORK GIANTS FREE AGENT NEWS AND RUMORS (PART IV)…
The official NFL free agency signing period began on Wednesday. Here is the latest news and rumors regarding the New York Giants:

• The New York Giants had reportedly expressed interest in unrestricted free agent defensive end Derrick Shelby (Miami Dolphins), but he has signed with the Atlanta Falcons.

• The New York Giants had reportedly expressed interest in unrestricted free agent defensive end Adrian Clayborn (Atlanta Falcons), but he has re-signed with the Falcons.

Richest contracts in 2016 free agency: JAX DT Jackson ($90 million), NYG DE Vernon (85M), HOU QB Osweiler (72M), NYG CB Jenkins (62.5M).

— Kimberly Jones (@KimJonesSports) March 10, 2016

Olivier Vernon Giants deal: $85M, $52.5M gtd, $20M signing bonus, salaries $1.75M, $11.75M, $12.75M, $15.25M, $15.25M

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 10, 2016

New NYG Olivier Vernon was an elite pass rusher in 2nd half of 2015 season. From Weeks 9-17, he had 29 QB Hits — most in the NFL.

— Kimberly Jones (@KimJonesSports) March 10, 2016

ARTICLES…

• After free-agent spending spree, Giants GM Jerry Reese can’t afford to be wrong by Ralph Vacchiano of The New York Daily News
• Scouting report of Giants’ newest members: Olivier Vernon, Damon Harrison and Janoris Jenkins by Ralph Vacchiano of The New York Daily News
• Giants GM Jerry Reese opens the vault to improve defense in NFL free agency by Bob Glauber of Newsday