NY Jets: Predicting the future of Antonio Cromartie

The NY Jets released Antonio Cromartie as his future with the team is still in question. Predicting what his move is could mean a pay decrease and diminished role if he’s brought back.

There are many question marks regarding Cromartie‘s future not only with the Jets, but with his NFL career. Cromartie is a 10-year veteran mainly remembered for his success with the Jets under Rex Ryan. He is also known as Darrelle Revis‘ side kick on the defensive side of the ball, but is now on the outside looking in.

The Jets had a lot of success on defense in 2015, but Cromartie wasn’t a part of much of it. Recording just 29 tackles and no interceptions, it’s evident that releasing Cromartie isn’t a huge loss to the team. Although it is concerning enough that he will possibly be back at the right price and with a lesser role on defense.

Signing the former Pro Bowl corner to a deal around $4 or $5 million is very reasonable, but at the end of the day, it just might be time to part ways. There are countless places Cromartie could end up in 2016. Teams that are lacking corners heading into the offseason feature the Jacksonville Jaguars, Dallas Cowboys, San Diego Chargers and many more.

The three teams mentioned are also all legitimate landing spots for Cromartie.

The Jaguars are projected to have the most spending money heading into the offseason as it’s highly likely that they offer him the most if they do send an offer his way. Also, Cromartie knows a thing or two about team reunions with the Jets, so why not another?

Cromartie had a career-high 10 interceptions with the Chargers in 2007 and 15 total while in San Diego. Ending his career where he started it could very well be in the back of his mind.

Born in Tallahassee, Florida what better way is there to end your career than in your home state with the Miami Dolphins? Although this is a division rival, I can still see Cromartie crawling to Miami if they are the highest bidder. The Dolphins lack depth at the corner position as they have Brent Grimes and… well that’s about it.

Cromartie would be a good fit to match up with Grimes on side of him as we all know he doesn’t play well against tall receivers because of his height. Cromartie could help take that pressure off with his 6’2 stature.

It appears that Cromartie has played his last down as a Jet, and for that reason he should be thanked for everything that he has done for the team over the years. It wouldn’t be upsetting if the Jets brought Cromartie back on a much smaller deal, but if that doesn’t happen then it is what it is.

There is really no telling what his future awaits, but another interesting team that he could get interest from are the Carolina Panthers. Looking to end his career with a good team and possibly getting a ring is something every player wants to do, and Cromartie is in the perfect position to do so.

The Panthers’ corners besides Josh Norman are just okay as they have veterans Charles Tillman and Cortland Finnegan, if they added another veteran like Cromartie to the mix, and put him along side Norman (if Norman re-signs with Carolina) that might just make that pass defense a little bit better.

Possibly even good enough to make it back to the Super Bowl, who even knows. Now, wherever Cromartie goes don’t expect him to make that much of an impact, but that’s what everyone thought once he got to Arizona too, and then he made the Pro Bowl that year.

Wherever No. 31 goes, I wish him nothing but a great future in the NFL and also after his playing years, I tip my hat to you, sir on a amazing career as a Jet.

Cincinnati Bengals: Antonio Cromartie the Answer on Defense

The Cincinnati Bengals need to act fast in NFL free agency, signing a veteran player to shore up their defensive backfield. Grab Cromartie and then bring back their own guys.

We’re tackling each team in the league, traveling alphabetically to debate their biggest offseason issues. Dan Salem and Todd Salem debate in today’s NFL Sports Debate. Two brothers from New York yell, scream, and debate sports.

TODD:

Cincinnati is in trouble. The Bengals had such a splendid season in 2015 before quarterback Andy Dalton went down with a thumb injury. He couldn’t make it back in time for the postseason, and the team fell flat…yet again. This is becoming a trend for Dalton, for Marvin Lewis and for the Bengals organization.

Except, things are going to get worse. Last year was THE year for them. That’s when everything fell together and Dalton had a career season. You can’t predict injuries, but what you can predict are roster needs and flexibility. Cincinnati is in trouble.

Via Spotrac, here is a list of impact players heading for free agency in Cincy:

WR Marvin Jones
SS George Iloka
WR Mohamed Sanu
CB Adam Jones
FS Reggie Nelson
T Andre Smith
CB Leon Hall

The list of total free agents for the Bengals is not long at all, but nearly every guy is vitally important. This batch is made up of the team’s best offensive lineman, two of its top three wide receivers and, somehow, its entire defensive secondary, and this is not even counting the second-string players who played a major role last season.

Where does the team turn? Obviously the defensive secondary will be a huge point of emphasis. The front seven is good, but that will only take a team so far.

Leon Hall probably underplayed his contract recently, but the other three defensive backs were bargains. How much is the team willing to spend to replace the entire unit?Dre Kirkpatrick and Darqueze Dennard are still around. Both are young, highly drafted cornerbacks, but it remains to be seen if they can anchor a backfield.

I would like to see Cincinnati add at least one veteran corner who can come in expecting to start. Safety may be a spot that can be addressed in the draft, but a veteran will be needed there as well.

There are plenty of available directions; it’s just unusual and oddly disconcerting to see a team need to replenish one area so dearly. Especially since the Bengals will also need to find A.J. Green some help on the outside, and this is not a great free agency class for wide receivers. Cincinnati’s own players make up two of the more intriguing options!

DAN:

I’m a fan of this year’s free agent class of receivers, but Cincinnati’s are certainly two of the better options. With a deep class out there, adding a veteran presence in the secondary is therefore the most critical need. Good thing the New York Jets just released Antonio Cromartie.

Cro had a down year last season, so he should come at a favorable price. He had some of his best seasons in New York when he was the leader and dominant presence in the defensive backfield. Playing second fiddle to Darrelle Revis was hit or miss, but in Cincinnati he’ll once again be in charge of the secondary.

I can understand uncertainty in regards to his production, but if the Bengals are serious about developing their young defensive backs, then adding Cromartie is an excellent move. He’s a true veteran that learned how to be an excellent leader. There wasn’t a spot left for him in New York, but considering the desperate times that have befallen the Bengals’ defense, he’s one of the best options out there.

Cincinnati must act quickly, because experience like Cromartie’s is hard to come by. Get him on a one or two year deal and close the door on that roster spot.