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Victor Cruz Would Be Prototypical Signing For Baltimore Ravens

By Chris Schisler

Dec 22, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) points to the sky before a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) points to the sky before a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Victor Cruz was released by the New York Giants. Based on the Ravens history, they could be interested in Cruz:

Victor Cruz would not be the most exciting pick up this offseason. We’re talking about a wide receiver who only caught 39 passes in the 2016 season. We’re talking about a potentially washed up 30 year old receiver, coming off a season where he only caught one touchdown pass. All of this being said, Cruz is the prototypical Ravens signing.

Cruz is an older receiver. We still have to see how much Cruz has left in the tank, but he’s closer to being done than he is to his glory days. The Ravens are where veteran receivers come to show the world that they’re not done. It worked for Derrick Mason, Anquan Boldin and Steve Smith Sr., it could work for Cruz. The Titans let Mason slip away after he played eight seasons for them. Mason showed them that this was silly having eight more years in the NFL.

If there is a team that can find the right veteran receivers, it is the Baltimore Ravens. The purple and black would be a good home for Cruz, at least in theory. The best receiver in Baltimore is Mike Wallace. While Wallace is a big play threat, he’s at best a number two wide receiver. Cruz had plenty of competition for targets with the Giants. With the Ravens dire need at his position, it could be a boon to his productivity.

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Cruz Would Be a Low Risk Signing:

Cruz hasn’t really been a superstar for the past several seasons. In 2011-2012 he was good for over 80 receptions for 1,000 yards and nearly ten touchdowns. In 2013 he still caught 73 passes but he only had four touchdowns. Injury stole 10 games from him in 2014 and all of the 2015 season.

There is virtually no risk in signing Cruz. He won’t get a huge contract at his age and with his injury history. The Ravens may have some competition for Cruz, but every general manager’s price is going to be in the same ball park. Cruz will sign a short-term deal with plenty of incentives built in to the contract. This deal could easily happen in Baltimore.

When the Ravens signed Wallace, he was coming off the worst season in his career. Can you imagine how barren the Ravens passing game would have been without him? Cruz could get the opportunity to provide the same turnaround production.

Next: NFL Draft: 4 Players The Ravens Would Have To Trade Up For

When the Ravens start signing free agents, Cruz may be a player they target. Cruz is not the most exciting receiver available. Cruz is, however the most affordable receiver. He fits the mold for a Ravens signing. When veteran receivers come to town, they seem to have a rebirth of their career. It wouldn’t be shocking to see Cruz put up a decent season or two, if the Ravens use him right.

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