The New York Giants have been plagued with an injury early on in training camp. The Giants have seen two starting receivers go down with an injury and a couple of key pieces on defense, too.
The latest news in the Giants’ recent series of unfortunate events comes once again from the receiver corps. Newly signed veteran receiver Golden Tate has been suspended four games. Tate is appealing the suspension but there is no guarantee he will win.
The Giants signed a couple of new receivers to add some depth, but should more be done? One surprising name could become an option for New York. Former Giants’ receiver Victor Cruz has shown some interest in a reunion.
Where Does This Rumor Come From?
News broke of Golden Tate’s suspension Saturday morning resulting in a panic amongst Giants Nation. It looks like the Giants could be without all three of their starting receivers (Shepard, Tate, and Coleman) come week one.
The Giants will need to sign some players to keep their receiving corps decent. As Giants fans and reporters discussed the Golden Tate news, they also discussed potential replacements. Along the way, former Giants legendary wide receiver Victor Cruz’s name came up in discussions.
Former Giants and current Bears cornerback Prince Amukamara was the first to mention Victor Cruz as an option for the Giants. Amukamara brought Victor into the discussion with this exciting tweet:
Cruuuuuuzzzzzzzzzzzzz @TeamVic
— Prince Amukamara (@PrinceAmukamara) July 26, 2019
Prominent Giants beat reporter Art Stapleton then kept it going, responding to Amukamara with “Co-sign.” Later on in the day, a fan asked Stapleton on Twitter if Cruz to the Giants was a possibility. Art then asked Victor Cruz what he thought about it. Cruz responded with this:
I been ready for three seasons now.
— Victor Cruz (@TeamVic) July 27, 2019
Victor Cruz claims to be ready to make a comeback. Should the Giants give the slot a receiver a shot?
What Does Cruz Have Left In The Tank?
Victor Cruz is now 32 years old and has not played professional football since the 2017 pre-season during his brief stint in Chicago. But according to Victor himself, he is ready to make an NFL comeback.
Giants fans will always remember Victor Cruz for his legendary moments during the Giants’ Super Bowl run in the 2011 to 2012 NFL season. The Salsa-dancing playmaker was nothing short of incredible that year.
It was after that season that things started to tumble downward for Victor. He suffered multiple injuries, including a devastating torn patellar tendon in 2014. Cruz was never really able to get back to 100%, except for a brief part of the Giants’ 2016 season.
That year, Cruz did manage to play in 15 games, but he did not have a prominent role in New York’s offense. Victor recorded only 39 receptions, 589 receiving yards, and 1 touchdown.
It would be really cool to see Victor Cruz suit up in Giants blue one more time, but it is a pipe dream, to say the least. His extensive injury history and extended time away from the game will leave the Giants with too many question marks.
However, at only 32 years old, Victor Cruz is still young enough to play ball. Golden Tate is 30 and the Giants just signed him to a 4-year deal this offseason. If Victor Cruz manages to get a workout with Big Blue and looks impressive, his age will not stop him and New York from striking a deal.