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New York Jets: Antonio Cromartie’s Release No Surprise

By Alan Schechter

Nov 8, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie (31) runs back a kick against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie (31) runs back a kick against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Antonio Cromartie was released by the New York Jets. The move comes as no surprise, and the replacements are already on the roster.

There was a lot of excitement heading in to 2015, as the New York Jets engineered a cornerback reunion. The “Batman and Robin” duo of Antonio Cromartie and Darrelle Revis came home, to the delight of Jets’ fans everywhere. The result was a 10-6 record, missing out on the playoffs by one game.

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The reunion has lasted exactly one season, as one of the members of the duo is gone. Monday, via Dan Hanzus of NFL.com, the Jets released Cromartie, who can now sign with any team immediately. This past season, he posted 29 tackles and 12 passes defensed.

The move by the Jets comes as no surprise.  His salary was set to be $8 million in 2016 with none of it guaranteed.  With the franchise tag expected to be given to Muhammad Wilkerson soon, the team needs the money to pay him.  Freeing up $8 million of salary cap space will do a lot to serve that purpose, as the Jets were, depending upon the source, projected to be around $11-$13 million under the salary cap.

Facts are facts, and as Rich Cimini of ESPN pointed out, Cromartie was very mediocre in 2015.  His ability to cover in a man scheme was severely hampered by a hip injury.  In the past, he was able to compensate for being beating with extreme athleticism, but at 31 years old, that is gone.  He is not the same corner anymore.

So, “Alcrotraz” leaves New York after a one-year return.

What is next for Todd Bowles and company.  His scheme will not work without proficient cover cornerbacks.  He has Revis, no he is without a number two.  Where should he turn?

Lucky for the Jets, they have a player who is more than worthy of the bump to a starting role.  His name is Marcus Williams.

Dec 19, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; New York Jets strong safety Marcus Williams (20) celebrates with teammates after making an interception during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; New York Jets strong safety Marcus Williams (20) celebrates with teammates after making an interception during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

In a backup role, Williams had a strong season for the Green and White. Starting only three games, Williams led the Jets with six interceptions, including one in each of the divisional matchups versus the Miami Dolphins. He earned the second highest grade for Jets’ cornerbacks on Pro Football Focus with a 68.3. By comparison, Cromartie only posted a 46.5.

They have other options to compete for the job, such as Dee Milliner and Buster Skrine. However, Skrine is only 5’9″, which is small for a cornerback on the outside. He is much better suited to play in the slot. Milliner is an appropriate height (6’0″), but has had so many injury problems, it’s impossible to believe that he will be any type of contributor next year, or frankly, ever.

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Anything can happen when camp opens up, but Williams will open as the odds on favorite to take over for Cromartie opposite Revis.

One thing is for sure, that a young cornerback will be a significant upgrade over Cromartie, as excited as it was for him to return in 2015.

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