NY Giants Should Follow Jay-Z

When I look at the business side of the NFL, there are some things that truly blow my mind.  If I were a general manager and I had a player like wide receiver Victor Cruz, I would make sure to lock him up (sign him) with a contract as soon as possible. 

Jay-Z

As for the NY Giants, I say they should follow Jay-Z’s format because Jay is signing Cruz to an entertainment deal, according to the NY Daily News.  Cruz is currently signed to IMG, but the report states Jay will manage the entertainment side.  Is that after his contract is up with IMG or will Jay co-manage with IMG?  Not quite sure, but either way the Cruz brand is taken care of for the moment.

#80 - Victor Cruz

Cruz is one of the most dynamic players at the wide receiver position today.  When I say dynamic, I mean Cruz can play the inside receiver position (slot) as well as the outside.  Cruz can turn a 3-yard pass into a 70-yard gain in just a few seconds.  True, Cruz is much better at the slot position because of his size, but he is still a weapon for the Giants. 

Senior Vice President and General Manager, Jerry Reese and the Giants front office have to be working something out I would assume.  Cruz is currently in the final year of his contract making
the $540,000 base salary, according to USA Today.  The Giants would be looking to give Cruz $10 million a year, but it’s hard to tell what the Giants will do since they have not signed him yet.  

Sr. VP & GM - Jerry Reese

The Giants would be wise to make a positive move by signing Cruz before the season ends.  If the Giants do not sign Cruz before the season ends, look for Cruz to hold out.  I know people at home are saying, “Cruz is not that type of guy” or “ Cruz loves New York…he wouldn’t leave or hold out”.  Fans must remember, this is all about business. 

Cruz has a management team that will make sure he gets his fair market value.  Has anyone seen the contracts for Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals or Megatron’s deal in Detroit over the past several years?  In August of 2011, Fitzgerald signed an 8 year $120 million dollar deal, according to ESPN.com.  Additionally, Calvin Johnson, nicknamed Megatron, signed a 7-year extension with the Lions for $132 million in March of 2012, according to ESPN.com.  Fitzgerald’s deal averages to $15 million per year, while Megatron’s deal is around $18.8 million per year.

Look for Cruz and his management team to expect a big payday.  He may not get the deal like Fitz and Megatron, but Cruz will be doing the salsa close to the same neighborhood.