Big-name restricted free agents seldom change teams, so Victor Cruz, who will be tendered at the first-round level by the Giants, probably isn't going anywhere. Probably, but there's been more talk than usual that some team will try to steal him away.
This article at NFL.com says that there's "a ton of interest" in Cruz, even at the cost of a first-round pick. The 26-year-old Cruz is a dynamic playmaker, more of a sure thing than any first-round pick, so a team with two first-rounders, in particular, could see the value in giving one up. The Rams have two, but so -- in essence -- do the 49ers, who will pick 31st and 34th (after the Alex Smith trade).
Would the 49ers get a better player than Cruz at No. 31 overall? Unlikely. The Rams seem less likely to bite since they'd lose the 16th overall pick, but again, the rumors are out there anyway.
The Giants can of course match any offer for Cruz, but reports have said they put a priority on a new contract for Hakeem Nicks. Nicks is more talented, although there's an injury history there. Will the Giants match a huge contract for Cruz knowing they will soon have to pay Nicks top dollar, as well? If the Giants are hesitant to give Cruz huge money thus far, will that change if some other team does (and they can acquire an extra first-rounder by not matching)?
The other tidbit out lately is that the Raiders may end up cutting Carson Palmer, rather than paying him $13 million. Palmer would be a potentially nice fit in Arizona, should the Cardinals decide to give up on Kevin Kolb.
Free agency starts Tuesday, and things could get wild fairly quickly.
--Andy Richardson