Restricted Free-Agent Victor Cruz A No-Show At Giants' First Voluntary Workout
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The deadline came and went, and wide receiver Victor Cruz never arrived.
Voluntary workouts began on Monday morning, and players had to arrive at the Giants' facility by 11:30 a.m. for their participation to count for the day.
The third-year player was a no-show.
According to USA Today, New York was not surprised that the Paterson, N.J., native didn't attend the offseason workout. The newspaper also reported that the 2012 Pro Bowler has been at the facility numerous times throughout the offseason.
Quarterback Eli Manning worked out with Cruz at Duke University last week.
The quarterback said that Cruz, a restricted free agent, "wants everything to get finished and be with the Giants and get back to work."
The Giants have the right to match any offer sheet to Cruz, who wants a significant raise. New York will get a first-round pick as compensation if the 26-year-old signs elsewhere. Teams have until April 19 to make an offer.
Cruz's first-round tender is worth $2.879 million, which would be torn up if the Giants can negotiate a new long-term deal. Because Cruz hasn't signed his tender, he is allowed to take part in Big Blue's offseason program as long as he signs a waiver.
Manning told WFAN last month that he believes Cruz will be playing in New York next season.
"I do, I do," he said. "I think (that's) what I have to believe and what I want to believe, just because he's such an important part of our offense."
It was reported in early April that the playmaker and fan favorite will join forces with Jay-Z and Roc Nation Sports. He also made a change by hiring CAA's Tom Condon to be his agent.
The UMass alum caught 86 passes for 1,092 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2012. In just two season with the Giants he's amassed 168 catches, 2,628 yards and 19 touchdowns.
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