A torn patella tendon in his right knee sidelined New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz for a big chunk of the 2014 season, and a left calf issue kept him off the field for all of last season. With no games played since October of 2014, the 29-year-old who is set to count for $9.9 million against the salary cap this year could soon be parting ways with the Giants.

#Giants have informed WR Victor Cruz they will release him unless he agrees to pay cut. Negotiations under way, per source

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— Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) March 7, 2016

Cruz came out of nowhere in 2011 and emerged as a force for the Giants (82 receptions for 1,536 yards and nine touchdowns), and he followed that up with a very good 2012 campaign (86 catches for 1,092 yards and 10 touchdowns). However, his production fell in 2013 (73 receptions for 998 yards and four touchdowns in 14 games), and the last two seasons have obviously been injury-marred.

The patella tendon injury already put Cruz’s ability to recapture his previous form into question. Not being able to suit up last year at all, due to a different injury, adds another lingering question about what he’ll look like if and when he can take the field.

When asked about Cruz in late February, Giants GM Jerry Reese offered a vague comment that “he’s under contract,” but the organization surely planned to take a hard line about the receiver taking a pay cut before free agency started.

That time is obviously here now, and the Giants hold the leverage as they look for a viable No. 2 wide receiver to go with Odell Beckham. If I were a betting man, I’d say Cruz will be cut before Wednesday.