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The Case Against the Titans Signing Victor Cruz

By Kyle Zwiazek

Oct 23, 2016; London, United Kingdom; New York Giants receiver Victor Cruz (80) carries the ball on a 25-yard reception against the Los Angeles Rams during game 16 of the NFL International Series at Twickenham Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; London, United Kingdom; New York Giants receiver Victor Cruz (80) carries the ball on a 25-yard reception against the Los Angeles Rams during game 16 of the NFL International Series at Twickenham Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Victor Cruz was recently released from the New York Giants after spending his whole career with Big Blue.

First, I will start out by saying that I am a big Victor Cruz fan. He grew up in the town over from where I live and I have followed his career since he was in college. With that being said, Victor Cruz should not be on the radar of the Tennessee Titans.

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At one time, Victor Cruz was the story of the NFL. He was that guy that defied the odds as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Massachusetts (similar to Tajae Sharpe actually). Cruz burst onto the scene with a huge preseason game against the Jets in 2010, scoring three touchdowns on six receptions for 145 yards. Unfortunately for the former UMass product, that season ended in a hamstring injury. From there, he had a breakout season in 2011 that ended with a Super Bowl victory. After that year, Cruz put up solid numbers in 2012 and 2013. Then the injury bug hit the star receiver. The salsa dancer has struggled with injuries the past three seasons and still has not regained the form he had earlier in his career.

Why the Titans should stay away.

Some would say Cruz could be a great reclamation project. That may be, but the Titans need wide receivers that are reliable. There is no guarantee that the Paterson, New Jersey native will make it through a full season without injury. The Titans do not need a player that tore his patella tendon, and had groin, calf and knee injuries on their roster. By signing Cruz, The Titans would be hoping to catch lightning in a bottle. Do we really need another Randy Moss or Andre Johnson reclamation (Cruz was never the player that those two were)?

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Tennessee Titans /

Tennessee Titans

It definitely is nice to add veterans to the roster. At the end of the day, Cruz is four years removed from the last time he even sniffed a 1,000 yard season. The Titans also do not have the high powered passing offense that the Giants have. If the Titans sign Cruz, he probably would fill in the slot and maybe get 400 yards receiving with a touchdown or two. Is that worth having a veteran presence on the roster? Especially, when there are better options out there.

The Cost (How much would it really take?)

Realistically, Cruz will be looking to make a decent salary on his next team. He is a proven commodity and could use his experience as a bargaining chip. On the contrary, the suitors are going to be few and far between. Cruz is on the wrong side of 30 and is no longer the consistent receiver he once was. He probably will be looking for a contract in the $3-4 million a year range. Ideally, a veteran tries to get the longest contract they can muster. That can all change, though, when there are not many teams interested. If the Titans can get Cruz on a one year deal with $1-1.5 million, it would be a good deal. Anything more than that should be spent on someone more reliable.

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