The Giants offseason program opens Monday, and everyone’s wondering if wide receiver Victor Cruz is going to be there.
And one teammate is even putting some not-so-subtle pressure on him to do so.
Giants defensive captain Justin Tuck said there’s “no reason not to” expect Cruz in attendance.
“He hasn’t said anything as far as why he wouldn’t be there, even though, obviously, the contract situation,” Tuck said, via Jenny Vrentas of the Newark Star-Ledger. “But for me, I think the biggest way to get things settled is to be there in good faith, I guess. But I can’t answer questions for Victor, he has to do what’s best for him. . . .
“And hopefully, when it’s all said and done, he’s doing a salsa in a Giants uniform this season. That’s all I’m worried about.”
Tuck can talk about good faith all he wants, he’s not the one looking for a new contract. And if Cruz wants to talk to someone about playing ball with the team for “good faith,” maybe he should call former Patriots receiver Wes Welker instead, to see how that worked out for him while working on a one-year deal and hoping for a longer one.
Cruz shouldn’t be anywhere near the Giants until after the April 19 deadline for a restricted free agent offer sheet, and the five-day period for the Giants to match.
The good faith move was showing up at Duke recently, to work out with quarterback Eli Manning and receivers Hakeem Nicks and Louis Murphy.
Beyond that, he needs to keep himself in shape, and let the business handle itself, and not be pressured into anything.