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May 11 (UPI) -- Wide receiver Victor Cruz is picking up interest in free agency after getting cut in February by the New York Giants. The former ace slot receiver met with the Carolina Panthers a week after he was released. He is scheduled to meet with the Jacksonville Jaguars on May 23, according to NFL.com. A league source told the Record that Cruz and the Baltimore Ravens also have "mutual interest."
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Cruz, 30, hasn't played a full season since 2012. The former Pro Bowler was once Eli Manning's favorite target. He combined for 19 scores and more than 2,600 yards in 2011 and 2012, but Cruz tallied just six scores from 2013 through 2016, missing time with injuries. He originally signed with the Giants in 2010 as an undrafted free agent. His 2012 Pro Bowl season included 86 catches for 1,092 yards and 10 touchdowns.
The man known for his end zone celebration salsa dances has dispelled retirement rumors all offseason despite being slowed by his 2014 patellar tendon tear.
"Football will continue for Victor Cruz," he told WFAN's Mike Francesa in January. "I'm not throwing in the towel if something goes awry, not at all."
Jacksonville is a particularly interesting landing spot for Cruz. The Jaguars already have a lot of young talent at wide receiving with Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns and Marqise Lee, but could use some veteran leadership. The Jaguars also drafted former Oklahoma wide receiver Dede Westbrook. It also doesn't hurt that the Jaguars' vice president of football operations is Tom Coughlin.
Coughlin coached Cruz from 2010 through 2015, before Ben McAdoo took over the team. The duo paired up for a Super Bowl in 2012. Cruz's 99-yard touchdown from that season is tied for the longest in NFL history. The University of Massachusetts product ranks No. 10 on the Giants' all-time receiving yardage list.
The Ravens lack depth at wide receiver, with Mike Wallace, Breshad Perriman and Chris Moore topping its depth chart. With Steve Smith retiring and Kamar Aiken leaving in free agency, the experience of Cruz is much needed.
