Since he was released by the New York Giants, rumors have been running wild about where wide receiver Victor Cruz would play next. As is almost always the case with the most passionate fanbase in sports, the worshippers of the Oakland Raiders have begun talking about signing Victor Cruz. Of course, it’s general manager Reggie McKenzie and head coach Jack Del Rio that make that call, but should they?
The Oakland Raiders and Victor Cruz
Need
There’s no question that the Oakland Raiders could use another wide receiver. While Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree make up the best receiver duo in the NFL, it’s not pretty after that. Seth Roberts made some big plays, but he also had some pretty substantial drops. And even if the Raiders do manage to re-sign Andre Holmes, he isn’t incredibly reliable either.
Johnny Holton had flashes of brilliance, but at this point, he’s nothing more than a special teamer. Ryan Switzer has been attached to draft rumors, but if the Oakland Raiders can get a veteran slot receiver or role player to come in, it’s a much safer bet. Enter Victor Cruz.
Salsa
Who could forget Victor Cruz? Over the first three years of his career, Cruz had 241 catches for 3,626 yards and 23 touchdowns. In Super Bowl XLVI, Victor Cruz caught Eli Manning‘s only touchdown pass. He’s a proven receiver with playoff experience, and he could step in and give the Oakland Raiders a solid number three, right?
Not exactly. Because as great as Cruz’ first three active seasons were, his last three have not been good. Over the last two years, he only has 62 catches for 923 yards and two touchdowns. For perspective, over the last two seasons, Seth Roberts has 70 catches for 877 yards and 10 touchdowns, and unlike Cruz, Roberts isn’t a starter.
This isn’t entirely Cruz’ fault though, as he’s suffered from some nagging injuries. He’s missed a total of 27 games, including the entire 2015 season. The last time that Victor Cruz had over 100 yards in a game was in September, 2014. And the last game where he had more than one touchdown in in September of 2013. It was a shootout against Tony Romo‘s Dallas Cowboys where Hulk Hogan was present.
Michael Crabtree
Of course, it’s not fair to bring up old teams. Michael Crabtree wasn’t tearing the league apart before he came to the Oakland Raiders. Maybe Victor Cruz just needs a fresh start with a new team. And in theory, there’s nothing wrong with signing him to an inexpensive, minimalist deal. But if Victor Cruz is going to get substantial payment, that means he’s going to get substantial playtime, and it’s hard to say if he’s really better than Seth Roberts at this point.
It doesn’t seem like Cruz is ever going to get over his nagging injuries. Even if he does, it’s safe to say that he’s lost a step. If he was really a great wide receiver, the New York Giants wouldn’t have been so eager to kick him out the door. He didn’t leave in free agency, he didn’t get cut immediately before June, the Giants had given up on Victor Cruz.
Raider Revival
Of course, there’s an old legend about the silver and black jerseys. Many players were abandoned or given up on by teams, only to find their second wind, an autumn wind with the Raiders. Players like Jim Plunkett, Mike Haynes, and even Jerry Rice had a career resurgence with the Raiders.
So who knows if Victor Cruz is a good fit for the Oakland Raiders. On the surface, it looks like he’s washed up, and the Raiders should steer clear. But history has shown that donning the silver and black can give a dead career new life. If Victor Cruz is available at the right price, there’s no harm in bringing him in for the preseason.
If he works out, then he’s another successful Raider revival. And if he doesn’t, then the Raiders aren’t really missing out on anything. It would still probably be smarter to go after a younger, healthier receiver, but if push comes to shove, there are worse free agent signings.
