Giants apply first-round tender on Victor Cruz

The New York Giants have applied a first-round tender to restricted free-agent wideout Victor Cruz, Giants co-owner John Mara said on Monday. The move would give the Giants a first round pick if the team decides to not match an offer Cruz gets from any other team. A team looking to sign Cruz would have to surrender a first round pick along with forging a new contract with the Giants wideout.

The 26-year-old wide receiver burst onto the scene in 2011, emerging as Eli Manning’s favorite target that year by catching 82 passes for 1536 yards. Cruz remained an intergal part of the offense last season, hauling in 86 balls for 1092 yards.

Mara said the Giants had made a “substantial offer” to Cruz but Cruz’s agent wants to test the market for the slot receiver. Interest around the league in Cruz has reportedly been high.

John Mara says Victor Cruz will be tendered today at the first-round level.—
Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 11, 2013

Mara says Giants have made Cruz "a very substantial offer" that "would make him a very wealthy young man." His agent wants to test market.—
Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoNYDN) March 11, 2013