Victor Cruz Visits Panthers Following Release from Giants

Former New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz met with the Carolina Panthers on Monday but is not yet expected to sign a contract.

Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer and Bill Voth of Black and Blue Review reported the visit. Voth indicated Cruz is expected to meet with at least one more team before making a decision about his future.

Cruz said the visit went well, according to Art Stapleton of the NorthJersey.com, who added Carolina is a "strong first suitor." 

The Giants released Cruz, 30, on Feb. 13 for cap purposes. The former undrafted free agent spent his first seven NFL seasons with the Giants, emerging as a Pro Bowler before injuries derailed his career. A torn patellar tendon suffered in October 2014 and a calf injury suffered during rehabilitation limited him to a combined six games in 2014 and 2015.

Cruz returned last season to play 15 games but was nowhere near his former self. He finished with 39 receptions for 586 yards, taking a backseat to Odell Beckham Jr. and Sterling Shepard in the passing-game hierarchy.

"It's been an amazing journey," Cruz said in a statement upon his release. "I pretty much grew up in front of the eyes of this entire organization. The Giants fanbase, the community, my hometown, my family. I grew up there. It's very much a family atmosphere and it's very much like leaving your family. That's what it feels like. I did some great things there. There are so many experiences, times and moments that I shared in that building with that team in that jersey. Those can't be replaced or forgotten. I'm happy I have those moments to look back on."

Cruz went on to say he believes he has "a lot of good football" remaining in his body. 

The Panthers, who went from Super Bowl runner-up in 2015 to out of the playoffs the following season, could desperately use some help at receiver. Tight end Greg Olsen was the only Carolina pass-catcher who went over 1,000 yards last season, and the team ranked 11th in drop rate, per Sporting Charts. According to Cian Fahey of the Guardian, no quarterback lost more yardage last season to wide receiver error than Cam Newton.