In a cost cutting move, the New York Jets have released cornerback Antonio Cromartie after just one season with the team. Most of Cromartie’s salary was not guaranteed, so it was expected he would be cut or traded. Cromartie signed a four-year deal last off-season with the Jets after one year with the Arizona Cardinals. This was a reunion for Cromartie and the Jets as he played with the Jets for four years before leaving going to Arizona. This move saves the Jets $8 million this year.
Cromartie had a bit of a disappointing season with zero interceptions, zero sacks and 26 tackles. It was thought Cromartie and Revis would shut down the cornerback position and improve the Jets defense, but the season ended with the Jets missing the playoffs again. Cromartie, a lanky cover corner who was thought to be the Jets best pure athlete during his initial stay under Rex Ryan. He showed signs of slippage in 2015 as he struggled to stay with faster receivers. He improved as the season progressed, but clearly not enough to make the team reconsider.
It remains to be seen what kind of market Cromartie will find. He’ll be 32 by opening day, a veteran of 11 seasons and past his prime. As Antonio Cromartie was a disappointment as he was ranked 103rd of 118 cornerbacks, a definite sign of a down season. It will be interesting to see if Cromartie will take less to be on a Super Bowl contender to take a shot at a Super Bowl ring or take the most and play for a non-playoff team. Cromartie can be valuable veteran piece to a team with a young cornerback of the future.
The Jets gain more cap space in free agency to maybe sign a quarterback (Sam Bradford, Kirk Cousins?) to hope to lead the Jets to the playoffs once again.
Main Photo:
Main Photo Credit: ORCHARD PARK, NY – JANUARY 3: Antonio Cromartie #31 of the New York Jets warms up before playing against the Buffalo Bills during NFL game action at Ralph Wilson Stadium on January 3, 2016 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
