The New York Jets have released cornerback Antonio Cromartie, the team announced on Monday, just one year into his second sojourn with Gang Green.
Jets part ways with Antonio Cromartie
Cromartie had zero interceptions last season despite starting 15 of 16 games.
William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports
Cromartie signed a four-year, $32 million contract with the Jets last March, but had no more guaranteed money remaining on the deal. He was set to count $8 million against the salary cap in 2016, and the Jets will gain that same amount back in cap savings by cutting him.
Looking to upgrade a pass defense that was among the worst in 2014, New York reunited Cromartie and Darrelle Revis to anchor the back line for the Jets last season. While Revis flourished in his return to the Big Apple, Cromartie's production on the field took a deep dive downward. In his 10th season in the league, it was clear that his physical skills had deteriorated to the point where he was often a liability in the secondary.
Although he started 15 of 16 games and appeared healthy, he failed to grab an interception for the first time since his rookie year. His 29 tackles were also his fewest since 2006. Cromartie really struggled to keep up with younger and faster receivers in coverage, and was consistently getting beat by deep balls. He finished the season ranked 86th out of 111 qualifying corners in Pro Football Focus’ ratings.
His poor numbers and large cap hit made Cromartie a logical release candidate, though the Jets will certainly miss his veteran presence in the locker room. They do have a few younger options on the roster to replace him, guys such as Marcus Williams and Dee Milliner, and it's also possible they'll draft a corner or dip into free agency to fill the hole.
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