2007 was an incredible year for Antonio Cromartie. He started only 8 games, but managed to rack up an amazing 10 interceptions that year. Cromartie would be named to the Pro Bowl and was 1st Team All Pro. Since that season, his on-field production hasn’t exactly remained steady.
A stat like 10 interceptions is hard to replicate, but in 3 seasons since 2007 (2 with San Diego, 1 with NY Jets), Cromartie has combined for a total of 8 interceptions. That is less than three interceptions per season and just plain mediocre.
Also add to the equation that Cromartie played across from the best cornerback in the NFL in 2010, in Darelle Revis. With seemingly no quarterback wanting to even test Revis, Cromartie was often targeted, and never consistently held coverage.
And then we bring in the off-the-field issues.
Antonio has never been seen as a role model since his playing days at Florida State. In 2009, Cromartie was arrested for an altercation at a bar that had him allegedly throwing a bottle of champagne at someone’s head. In 2010, the NY Jets appeared on HBO’s “Hard Knocks” and Cromartie baffled viewers as he struggled to remember the names of his children. Then before facing Tom Brady and the Patriots in the playoffs, Cromartie went on to call Brady an asshole before saying, “"F#$k him”.
So with poor production during the last 3 seasons and off-field concerns, why is Cromartie’s name frequently thrown in with the top defensive players available.
Cromartie is a free agent and has already specified that he will not be giving the Jets a “hometown discount”.
The Jets should reply, “Thank you”.
The Jets owe Cromartie nothing and can search for more affordable options at cornerback. The Jets have more urgent priorities to address this off-season including the resigning of wide receiver Santonio Holmes and linebacker David Harris. The Jets drafter cornerback Kyle Wilson with their first round pick in 2010 and although his rookie season was far from promising, it would make sense if they wanted to save money at the position, especially with the highly-paid Revis on the opposing side.
If Cromartie doesn’t want to take a discount to play with an elite team in the NFL, then let him walk.
Fortunately for Cromartie, he will get paid, and paid nicely by some team. This team will likely be another one of those teams whom seems to spend money in all the wrong places every season. You know, the Redskins, Cowboys, Dolphins, and other teams who seem to get stuck with bad contracts.
Cromartie is a good corner, but he is very far from elite. At the right price, he is a valuable asset to a team. But he is not worth the big bucks.
No comments:
Post a Comment