Victor Cruz's contract negotiations with the New York Giants are about to get interesting.
NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday that the next few days are viewed as important, with talks planned, according to two sources informed of the situation.
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The Giants view Cruz as more than a slot receiver value-wise, which should help him eclipse the $6 million annual salary that Wes Welker received from the Denver Broncos this offseason.
The New York Post reported Tuesday night that Cruz and the Giants, "are on the 2-yard line" in talks on a new long-term deal.
"Both sides just need to give a little bit," a source told the Post. "But it's going to happen."
Cruz mostly has remained silent during contract talks, but he spoke to the Post at a charity event.
Asked if a contract was close, Cruz replied, "I'd rather not answer any type of questions now, but it's moving."
"In a perfect world, I want to finish my career here," Cruz said. "I'm from here, born and raised in New Jersey. I wouldn't want to play anywhere else. But I understand it's a business and all of that. In a perfect world, this is (where) I'd like to be."
Rapoport reports that Cruz hasn't decided if he'll sign his tender and show up for organized team activities next week.
According to Rapoport, the next big date is June 17, when the Giants can slash their restricted free-agent tender to Cruz from $2.8 million to nearly $600,000. The Pittsburgh Steelers chose not to take advantage of that opportunity with Mike Wallace last summer.
The Giants might show the same restraint as an act of good faith in negotiations. That is, if a deal isn't struck before then.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @DanHanzus.
