Victor Cruz and Giants Agree to Re-Structured Contract

 Posted by
Mar 092016
 
Victor Cruz, New York Giants (November 24, 2013)

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.

ARTICLES…

Giants Re-Sign DE Jason Pierre-Paul; Latest FA Rumors

 Posted by
Mar 082016
 
Jason Pierre-Paul, New York Giants (December 6, 2015)

Jason Pierre-Paul – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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NEW YORK GIANTS RE-SIGN DE JASON PIERRE-PAUL…
The NFL Network is reporting that the New York Giants have re-signed unrestricted free agent defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul to a 1-year contract. The NFL Network says Pierre-Paul turned down more money from other teams to remain with the Giants. ESPN.com reports that the contract could be worth “up to” $10.5 million and that the Arizona Cardinals made a strong effort to sign Pierre-Paul. The New York Daily News speculates that the contract will be laden with incentives such as sacks and playing time.

Pierre-Paul suffered serious and permanent injuries to his right hand from a July 4th fireworks accident, including the amputation of his index finger and severe damage to his thumb and middle finger. He returned to the playing field halfway through the 2015 season, wearing a large club that made it impossible for him to grab and tackle with his right hand. Pierre-Paul started the eight games he played in and finished the season with 26 tackles, 1 sack, and 6 pass defenses.

Pierre-Paul had additional offseason surgery in an effort to improve the grip on his damaged hand and hopefully allow him to play without a club.

MARCH 8, 2016 NEW YORK GIANTS FREE AGENT RUMORS…
While players can not officially sign until March 9th, Monday unofficially marked the beginning of free agency as teams can now negotiate with free agents of other teams. Here is the latest:

  • FOXSports.com is reporting that the New York Jets have expressed interest in New York Giants unrestricted free agent cornerback Prince Amukamara.
  • ESPN is reporting that free agent defensive end Charles Johnson, who met with the New York Giants on Sunday and Monday, left without a contract and met with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday.
  • NJ.com is reporting that despite reports of mutual interest and a possible visit, free agent defensive end Mario Williams is “not in play for the Giants at this time.” According to multiple reports, Williams is close to signing with the Miami Dolphins.
  • ESPN is reporting that the New York Giants are “weighing the idea” of making a contract offer to transition-tagged free agent Olivier Vernon (Miami Dolphins).
  • ESPN is reporting that the New York Giants have expressed interest in the following unrestricted free agents: defensive end Williams Hayes (Los Angeles Rams), defensive end Derrick Shelby (Miami Dolphins), defensive end Adrian Clayborn (Atlanta Falcons), cornerback Patrick Robinson (San Diego Chargers), and safety Rodney McCloud (Los Angeles Rams).