So much for that progress in contract negotiations between Victor Cruz and the New York Giants.
Cruz originally believed the structure of a long-term contract was in place as far back as October. The sides reportedly had reached the "2-yard line" in discussions last month.
Jones: A Giant problem? Not so fast
Victor Cruz and Hakeem
Nicks remain absent from OTAs. What does this mean for the Giants? Kimberly Jones digs in. **More ...**
Now Cruz, an unsigned restricted free agent, has decided not to attend the Giants' mandatory minicamp that begins Tuesday without a contract, NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported. A source informed of the talks told Rapoport that negotiations have "moved incredibly slowly."
Cruz is not eligible to participate in the minicamp until he signs his tender or lands an extension. The sides are "not close on making that happen," per Rapoport.
Deadlines typically spur action, in which case discussions could pick up speed toward the end of the week. The Giants can reduce Cruz's tender offer from $2.879 million to $630,000 on June 17. It will be interesting to see if the team is willing to play hardball after Mike Wallace stayed home for training camp when the Pittsburgh Steelers opted against slashing his tender offer last June.
Follow Chris Wesseling on Twitter @ChrisWesseling.