Jets Release Antonio Cromartie

Cromartie had all his guaranteed money given to him upfront past year so the Jets were free to release him and clear up all $8 million to use elsewhere in free agency.

Cromartie was the San Diego Chargers’ first round draft pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, going No. 19 overall. Cromartie had a rough start to the season and failed to record an interception, though he did have team-high 16 pass defenses. He was the Jets leading kickoff returner averaging 25.1 yards per return.

The move will reportedly save the Jets about $8 million in salary cap space.

Cromartie was a headline signing in the Jets’ spending spree last off-season as he returned to NY along with fellow cornerback Darrelle Revis. But after Cromartie dealt with a nagging hip injury that affected his play, then-GM John Idzik released the cornerback – also in a cost-cutting move – in March 2014. If Cromartie is willing to take a team-friendly deal, he could serve as a veteran locker room presence and mentor to Butler and Ryan while serving as the third corner on the depth chart.

Cromartie has immediately professed his love for the Jets’ organization and Bowles, which is not surprising. He has 31 career interceptions and 114 passes defensed.

It is still possible that the Jets could bring Cromartie back, on a much cheaper contract, to play for them in 2016. You guys are the best fans ever and thank you for sticking next to me through my tough times last season you rock.

The duo formed a dynamic pairing in their first stint together for the Jets (2010 to 2012) but struggled to recreate that form in 2015 with Cromartie in particular struggling at times during the season.