Report: Victor Cruz 'very close' to long-term deal with the Giants

Victor Cruz is on the verge of becoming one of the highest-paid slot receivers in the NFL. (Al Bello/Getty Images) Victor Cruz recently signed a free-agent

Victor Cruz is on the verge of becoming one of the highest-paid slot receivers in the NFL. (Al Bello/Getty Images)

Victor Cruz recently signed a free-agent tender with the New York Giants, and now the two sides are on the verge of a long-term deal, according to Pro Football Talk and The Star-Ledger.

Cruz, 26, is expected to sign a deal worth between $8-$9 million per year. In his two seasons with the Giants, Cruz has caught 168 balls for 2,628 yards and 19 touchdowns.

From Pro Football Talk:

Due to earn $2.987 million in 2013 as a restricted free agent, Cruz will make much more than that in 2013 and beyond. With Cruz wanting in the range of $10 million per year and the Giants previously offering an annual amount in the $7 million neighborhood, don’t be surprised if the final number is in the $8.5 million ballpark.

A deal with Cruz would shift the Giants' focus to signing fellow wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, who is entering the final year of a five-year contract.

Per source with knowledge of negotiations, long-term deal between Victor Cruz and the Giants is very close. It could come as soon as today.

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) July 8, 2013

Also told to expect somewhere betweet $8m-$9m APY on the Cruz deal.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 8, 2013