Could the fallen Victor Cruz be replaced by Mike Williams? (USATSI)
Could the fallen Victor Cruz be replaced by Mike Williams? (USATSI)

When the Giants lost Victor Cruz for the season with a torn knee tendon on Monday night, we speculated that the team would need more help from first-round pick Odell Beckham, breakout tight end Larry Donnell and slot receiver Preston Parker to replace Cruz's production.

But what about Bills receiver Mike Williams -- who was a healthy scratch Sunday and whose representation has been told that they can seek a trade somewhere else?

According to the NY Daily News, that's a possibility, because the Giants have "some" interest in acquiring Williams.

"The details make the possibility seem like a longshot," writes the paper, "but given how shorthanded their receiving corps is with Cruz out for the season, a team source said they will likely at least explore it."

Bills general manager Doug Whaley already has come out and said the team isn't shopping Williams, but if Williams' agent can find the right team and the right deal, Buffalo could rid itself of the player they traded for before the season began.

Although the Bills gave up only a sixth-round pick to acquire Williams from the Buccaneers, it sounds like the price could be higher if another team wants him.

Said Whaley on Monday: "If he gets me compensation worthy of a No. 1 receiver, which he claimed he is, then we would entertain it.”

Coughlin said Monday that the team would start by looking at its own roster for Cruz replacements, but the only healthy receivers are Beckham, Parker, Rueben Randle and Corey Washington.

Or the Giants could go the free agent route.