Have a little patience.

That is what New York Giants co-owner John Mara is asking for when it comes to a long-term contract for Victor Cruz. The deadline for restricted free agents to sign an offer sheet with another team passed last week with no action for the wide receiver.

Mara had originally admitted he was concerned another club would try to swoop in and sign away the playmaker. Now, Cruz is destined to play for the Giants but he will be an unrestricted free agent following this season if the team cannot broker a deal.

“It will get done at some point,” Mara said, according to Jenny Vrentas of the Newark Star-Ledger. “Just be patient.”

Cruz was also at the same charity event as Mara on Monday night but he has not spoken about his situation since January. Cruz has not shown up for the voluntary offseason workouts the team has started but right now there is not fear of him skipping training camp.

Of course, if a deal cannot be done between now and then, sitting out would be the best leverage Cruz would have. Mara’s optimism seems to indicate eventually there will be a breakthrough in negotiations. We’ll see what happens.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune