NY Giants Release Victor Cruz: Reports

The New York Giants released wide receiver Victor Cruz Monday, NFL.com reported.

Cruz, 30, played in 15 games during the 2016 season. He caught 39 passes for 586 yards and a touchdown.

Mike Garafolo of NFL.com posted on Twitter that the Giants were unlikely to keep Cruz given his $7.5 million salary.

Art Stapleton of The Record broke the story. The Giants informed Cruz, a Paterson native, of their decision to release him Monday and that he could return, but it would have to be at a reduced rate, according to Stapleton. There is no indication that option is still on the table, according to the report.

ESPN's Adam Schefter discussed the story on "SportsCenter" Monday.

Cruz had been relegated to the third wide receiver spot this season behind Odell Beckham Jr and Sterling Shepard.

Cruz and his salsa dances following touchdowns were favorites of fans since he broke into the league in 2010.

Cruz had a career high of 1,536 yards in 2011 and 10 touchdowns in 2012. He missed the entire 2015 season with a knee injury.

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Photo: Victor Cruz — Via Flickr, used with permission via Creative Commons license