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NFL Rumors: 5 free agent destinations for Victor Cruz

By Jason Parker

Aug 3, 2014; Canton, OH, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) prior to the 2014 Pro Football Hall of Fame game against the Buffalo Bills at Fawcett Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 3, 2014; Canton, OH, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) prior to the 2014 Pro Football Hall of Fame game against the Buffalo Bills at Fawcett Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 26, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; An Atlanta Falcons helmet on the field during training camp at Falcons Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 26, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; An Atlanta Falcons helmet on the field during training camp at Falcons Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Falcons. 4. player. 44. . NFC. South

The decision to cut Roddy White wasn’t an easy one for owner Arthur Blank, but it was needed after seeing his numbers decline recently. While it would make some people upset to replace White with someone who hasn’t seen live game action in over a season and a half, Cruz has an explosiveness that, when combined with Julio Jones, might be what the Falcons need to complete in a division that is dominated by offense and big passing games. Signing Victor Cruz would allow the Falcons to go with other positions of need in the draft instead of worrying about trading up to get a stud receiver prospect.

Facing teams like the Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers twice each seasons means the Falcons are going to need to win games through the air. Matt Ryan is at the point of his career, entering his ninth season in the league, where he needs to make a deep run in the postseason if he wants to have a legacy that is better than just being considered good.

Adding Cruz would allow the Falcons to keep defenses honest and open Jones up to more deep passes against secondaries that are having to deal with two quality receivers.

Next: 3. Browns

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