The New York Jets have just announced that they will release Antonio Cromartie from his contract, according to NFL.com. The move frees up $8 million worth of cap room while currently having $20 million in cap space. Cromartie was a Jet for a couple of seasons (2010-2013), and then spent a season with the Arizona Cardinals in 2014. In his glorious return to Gang Green, Cromartie started in just about every game - and that was the problem. Cromartie only recorded 29 combined tackles and 12 pass defenses in 2015.
Clearly feeling his age, a noticeable decline in his play emerged, according to Fox Sports. Cromartie was only really a cover cornerback to begin with, so losing his playmaking ability while just being a cover corner forced the Jets to release the once productive veteran. Cromartie will be 32 years old by week one of the 2016 NFL season, so it will be hard for a team to give him a chance considering how badly he played last season.
The Jets will have Darrelle Revis, Marcus Williams, Buster Skrine, Dexter McDoughle and Dee Milliner heading into 2016, so it is not yet known whether or not they will make a move for a cornerback in the draft. The Jets will have the 20th overall pick in 2016, and will be somewhat out of position to take any of the top cornerback prospects in this draft. The Jets have a ton of needs, according to the New York Daily News, including outside linebacker, tight end, offensive line and quarterback, in addition to finding a new cornerback. The Jets will likely expand their defensive backfield by the time the 2016 offseason comes to a close.
