Bill Kostroun/APThe Jets made their first cost-cutting move of the 2014 offseason, cutting starting cornerback Antonio Cromartie. Cromartie is coming off a poor season and had even said himself that he expected to be a cap casualty. The cornerback was scheduled to earn a $5 million roster bonus shortly after the league year, and would have cost the Jets nearly $15 million against the cap if he had remained on his contract.
Though the Jets let go of Cromartie, the release doesn't rule out a potential reunion. A source said Cromartie could still return to the Jets at a cheaper rate, but that the feeling is that Gang Green is targeting another cornerback in free agency.
The Jets expressed a level of interest in one of the top corners on the free agent market, Titans CB Alterraun Verner, on Saturday, according to a source. The league year, and thus free agency, begins Tuesday.
Cromartie first indicated the Jets were making a move by saying goodbye to the Jets organization Twitter.
'I would like 2 thank the Jets organization so much with helpin me grow as leader and a player. S/O 2 my teammates I wish u guys the best,' Cromartie wrote. 'It's time for a new chapter in my life and now it's time to let my lord and savior lead my steps every step of the way.'
'Saying farewell to a great organization and fan base,' Cromartie added. 'I wish nothing but the best. This team is headed into the right direction.'
'Cro is one of the finest athletes I've ever coached,' head coach Rex Ryan said in a statement released by the team. 'He was willing to contribute wherever the team needed him to win games, be it defense, special teams or offense. He has a passion and enthusiasm for the game and I wish him and his family the best.'
Cromartie, 29, played four seasons with the Jets after Gang Green acquired him in a trade with the Chargers in 2010. His play was inconsistent but peaked in 2012 when he stepped in for Darrelle Revis, who missed most of the season with an ACL tear. Cromartie transitioned seamlessly to the role of the top corner and went to the Pro Bowl as a result.
Cromartie couldn't replicate his success in 2013, when a nagging hip injury hampered his play. He consulted specialists in the offseason but ultimately decided not to have surgery on his hip.
Cromartie recorded 13 interceptions in his Jets career.
-With Manish Mehta
Posted by Unknown on Sunday, March 9, 2014 - Rating: 4.5
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