With Victor Cruz Locked Up, What Happens to Hakeem Nicks?

The New York Giants and Victor Cruz have finally come to terms on a new contract that will ensure the star receiver’s presence in Big Blue for the next six seasons. But what about their other star receiver, Hakeem Nicks?

Nicks, the team’s first-round pick in 2009, is due to be a free agent at the end of this upcoming season. In four NFL seasons, he has caught 255 passes for 3,726 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns in 55 games played.

He is a prototypical No. 1 receiver, boasting a favorable combination of size, athleticism, intelligence and natural ability. He’s garnered comparisons to Hall of Famer Michael Irvin, and has backed it up with stellar performances on the gridiron… when he’s been healthy enough to stay on the field, at least.

On performance alone, Nicks should be a lock for a big contract — bigger than Cruz’s five-year, $43 million deal — in the offseason; whether from the Giants or a different buyer. Unfortunately, his health is a cause for concern among any interested parties. In fact, it should be the greatest concern for Nicks himself, whose value could take a hit because of his history of injuries.

Nicks has yet to play a full NFL season. He has missed nine games in four seasons, and has battled through countless others hampered by injuries.

The Giants, meanwhile, have put themselves in a position where, regardless of Nicks’ performance in 2013, they may be unable to offer the former North Carolina Tar Heel what he is truly worth. As a result, they could risk losing the 25-year-old and harming their high-powered offensive attack in the process.

It was certainly nice to get the Cruz contract situation out of the way, but in doing so, the Giants have now placed Nicks and his next deal at the forefront. Unfortunately, closure may not come for quite a while.

The Giants are not typically active in contract negotiations once the season is underway, and it is rather unlikely they will get something wrapped up with Nicks in the next few weeks. Whether that will weigh heavy on the minds of the wide out and his Big Blue teammates remains to be seen.

Those that thought the Cruz-Giants discussions were contentious better brace themselves for a burdensome summer that may not end positively.

Nicks’ potential is unquestionable, but his value takes a hit because of the injury risk. Can they afford to gamble on an oft-injured player who may never become a top receiving threat because of injuries? All while tying up over $18 million in two receivers? With so little space left already in the salary cap for 2014, indications are not favorable.

The effect losing Nicks might have on the Giants is quite evident, but it may simply be too difficult for a cash-strapped franchise that lacks the wiggle room to take such an expensive risk.

 

Louis Musto is a reporter and sports talk host for the Sports Journey Broadcast Network. You can follow him on Twitter @LouisMusto.