Today, Antonio Cromartie announced via Twitter that the New York Jets were releasing the eight-year veteran. Cromartie spent four years with the Jets after spending his first four with the Chargers.
I would like 2 thank the Jets organization so much with helpin me grow as leader and a player. S/O 2 my teammates I wish u guys the best.
— ANTONIO CROMARTIE (@CRO31) March 9, 2014
I would also like to give a big up to The Jets Fan base. Thank you for all the support thru my 4 yr career with you. Thank you again.
— ANTONIO CROMARTIE (@CRO31) March 9, 2014
It’s time for a new chapter in my life and now it’s time to let my lord and savior lead my steps every step of the way.
— ANTONIO CROMARTIE (@CRO31) March 9, 2014
Saying farewell to a great organization and fan base. I wish nothing but the best. This team is headed… http://t.co/kuII83A94z
— ANTONIO CROMARTIE (@CRO31) March 9, 2014
His personal life (he fathers 12 children) has gotten most of the attention, but Cromartie is actually a productive corner who should be highly pursued in free agency. He’s coming off a 2013 season in which he finished with 38 combined tackles (35 of them solo) and three interceptions. He made the Pro Bowl this season.
While not his best stats, it has shown Antonio Cromartie can still be big a be help to struggling secondaries. We could see teams like the Bears, Patriots, Eagles, and Colts (who struggled in the secondary) show interest in the 29-year-old Cromartie.
“Cro is one of the finest athletes I’ve ever coached,” coach Rex Ryan said in a statement. “He was willing to contribute wherever the team needed him to win games, be it defense, special teams or offense.”
As for the Jets, this move saves the organization $9.5 million in cap space, so I could see the team finding a replacement for Cromartie or using the money to sign a big-time free agent when things get started on Tuesday.
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(Stats via espn.com)
Main Photo Credit: Debbie Wong/US Presswire
