Victor Cruz released by New York Giants

The move in and of itself wasn’t a shock.

Cruz made a triumphant return in 2016 from two career-threatening injuries in 2014 and 2015 that had kept him off the field basically for two years. The Raiders could use another receiver to be certain and even with a career worst season in 2016, Cruz’s numbers are still far better than that of Seth Roberts. The 30-year-old was set to make $9.4 million as their No. 3 wide receiver and with bigger needs at other positions, the most logical path for the organization was to cut ties.

In those seven seasons, Cruz recorded 303 receptions for 4,549 yards with 25 touchdowns and helped the Giants to a victory in Super Bowl XLVI over the New England Patriots.

“After a couple of days, I’m going to be excited for the next leg and opportunity that I get”, Jennings said.

Cruz began his Giants tenure on injured reserve. The Ravens often bring in veteran receivers who believe they still have some juice left in the tank, as opposed to the common perception which says they don’t.

An undrafted free agent out of Massachusetts, Cruz grew up roughly 10 miles from the Meadowlands. “I’m happy I have those moments to look back on”.

The Giants will miss his leadership.

– Curtis Rawls is a Managing Editor for cover32 and covers the National Football League and New York Giants, like and follow on Facebook and Twitter.

Cruz is still a strong route-runner with great hands for the wide receiver position. After all, you don’t exactly come back at 100 percent from an injury that sidelined you for almost two full seasons.

He was generally the third option for Eli Manning behind Odell Beckham Jr. and rookie Sterling Shepard. The Giants are expected to officially announce Cruz’s release later Monday, the source told Schefter.