The New York Giants made an unexpected move by cutting wide receiver Brandon Marshall after a failed physical last week. This left the Giants with a whole the wide receiver position.
Many Giants fans would want former Pro Bowl receiver Dez Bryant, who was released by the Dallas Cowboys to be Marshall’s replacement. However, a former Giants wide receiver and fan favorite has shown some interest. Victor Cruz has hinted at possibly being interested in rejoining New York via Twitter.
I heard there’s a job opening at wide receiver in New York.. ?
— Victor Cruz (@TeamVic) April 19, 2018
Cruz’s History with Big Blue
From 2011-2014,when healthy Cruz was arguably one of the top wide receivers in the NFL. This included a Cinderella season for the Giants and Cruz in which they won Super Bowl XLVI against the New England Patriots in the 2011-2012 season. Also during his tenure with the Giants, Cruz notched back to back 1,000-yard campaigns in 2011 and 2012. He was voted to the Pro Bowl in 2012 and still currently holds the Giants’ record for receiving yards in a single season (1,536). Cruz unfortunately suffered a devastating knee injury in a game against the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2014 season and missed the rest of the year and the entire 2015 season. He returned in 2016, but he clearly wasn’t the same player. He recorded 39 receptions for 586 yards and a touchdown in 15 games.
Why Cruz Makes Sense for the Giants
One may argue that the Giants should’ve signed Cruz when wide receivers: Odell Beckham Jr, Brandon Marshall, and Dwayne Harris all went down with season ending injuries. Bringing back Cruz would’ve pleased fans during an abysmal 3-13 record. Cruz was also a clear upgrade over receivers Taveres King, Darius Powe, and Roger Lewis. Cruz’s production in 2016 was more serviceable than Marshall’s in 2017. While many Giants fans still want Dez Bryant, they ought to think twice. Bryant like Marshall before the 2017 is an aging wide receiver that is on the decline. Bryant’s on and off the field issues also make the Giants signing him not plausible.
Before the Giants look into signing Bryant, they ought to consider Victor Cruz first. With Cruz the Giants will get a determined/ motivated wide receiver who has great chemistry with Eli and can provide valuable leadership in the Giants locker room. After all Eli Manning had his best years throwing Cruz the football. Wouldn’t it be fitting for both to go at it a few more times, then retire as New York Giants. The Giants should give Cruz one more time to salsa!
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