The Facts: Following up on the ongoing story. ... Eli Manning reported to the start of the Giants' offseason program this week without his leading receiver each of the past two seasons. And the QB doesn't expect to see Cruz until Cruz and the Giants reach agreement on a long-term deal. "I have a feeling I’ll see Victor here when the contract’s done," Manning said. "That’s my gut feel, and I could be wrong. If he’s back here earlier, then that will be a bonus." Asked if he referred to a long-term deal, Manning said, "I would think so. I think that’s the goal."

Diehards Line: Cruz is a restricted free agent and has not yet signed his first-round tender. The deadline for other teams to submit offer sheets is Friday, though at this point, it seems unlikely another team will make a play for the Giants' single-season receiving record-holder. GM Jerry Reese said Cruz's absence is "cut and dry": He is a free agent and is not currently under contract with the Giants. ... Cruz could sign a participation agreement to take part in the voluntary offseason program, but Manning -- who shares an agent, CAA's Tom Condon, with Cruz -- indicated Cruz's reason for being here is more than simply not being under contract. "He’s got to do what is in the best interests of him, and that’s usually staying away and putting pressure to try to get the deal done," Manning said. ... There you have it. Meanwhile, the two sides appear to be far apart in ongoing negotiations toward the long-term deal both parties want. Co-owner John Mara said in March that the Giants have made a contract offer that would make Cruz "a very wealthy young man," believed to be in excess of $7 million per year, but Cruz evidently has a higher price tag in mind.