Former New York Giants star wide receiver victor cruz has finally found a new home in the NFL after being released on February 13th. Now, almost two-and-a-half months later, Cruz confirmed via his Instagram that he has signed with the Chicago Bears. The deal that the eight-year veteran wide receiver signed is a one-year contract for a currently unknown amount of money.
Why the Bears made sense for Cruz
Despite the fact that Cruz wanted to stay with the New York Giants, it was obvious that they had no interest in bringing him back. The team moved on from him with Sterling Shepard's role increasing and the signing of All-Pro Brandon Marshall.
However, Cruz still wanted to play in the NFL, and the Chicago Bears need help at the wide receiver position. This became more important after they lost Alshon Jeffery in free agency to the Philadelphia Eagles. The team also cut veteran receiver Eddie Royal two weeks ago and did not draft a wide receiver in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Cruz will help give the Bears offense a veteran presence. The only players on their offense with as much or more experience in the NFL are tight end Zach Miller, quarterback Mark Sanchez and guard Josh Sitton. Cruz joins free agent additions Kendall Wright, Markus Wheaton and Ruben Randle. The Bears are hoping that these veterans can help young receivers Kevin White and Cameron Meredith grow, as well as help young quarterback Mitchell Trubisky.
Victor Cruz's history in the NFL
Victor Cruz signed with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Massachusetts in 2010. He had a breakout preseason that year, but was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury and never played. In 2011, he had a breakout season with 82 receptions for 1,536 yards and 9 touchdowns as the Giants won the Super Bowl.
That year he made the Pro Bowl and was named as a 2nd team All-Pro. He followed the next season up with 86 receptions for 1,092 yards and 10 touchdowns.
In 2013, he had 73 receptions for 998 yards and 4 touchdowns despite missing two games. In week six of the 2014 season, Cruz suffered a horrible leg injury in which he tore his patellar tendon.
This injury caused him to miss the rest of the 2014 season and the entire 2015 season. Last June, Cruz took a pay cut to remain with the team. He then spent 2016 playing on the outside, instead of in the slot. He had 39 receptions for 586 yards and 1 touchdown. The Giants then released him in February, saving the team $7.5 million in cap space.