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Cincinnati Bengals: Antonio Cromartie the Answer on Defense

By Dan Salem

Jan 9, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict (55) talks with Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis during the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict (55) talks with Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis during the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cincinnati Bengals need to act fast in NFL free agency, signing a veteran player to shore up their defensive backfield. Grab Cromartie and then bring back their own guys.

We’re tackling each team in the league, traveling alphabetically to debate their biggest offseason issues. Dan Salem and Todd Salem debate in today’s NFL Sports Debate. Two brothers from New York yell, scream, and debate sports.

TODD:

Cincinnati is in trouble. The Bengals had such a splendid season in 2015 before quarterback Andy Dalton went down with a thumb injury. He couldn’t make it back in time for the postseason, and the team fell flat…yet again. This is becoming a trend for Dalton, for Marvin Lewis and for the Bengals organization.

Except, things are going to get worse. Last year was THE year for them. That’s when everything fell together and Dalton had a career season. You can’t predict injuries, but what you can predict are roster needs and flexibility. Cincinnati is in trouble.

Via Spotrac, here is a list of impact players heading for free agency in Cincy:

WR Marvin Jones
SS George Iloka
WR Mohamed Sanu
CB Adam Jones
FS Reggie Nelson
T Andre Smith
CB Leon Hall

The list of total free agents for the Bengals is not long at all, but nearly every guy is vitally important. This batch is made up of the team’s best offensive lineman, two of its top three wide receivers and, somehow, its entire defensive secondary, and this is not even counting the second-string players who played a major role last season.

Where does the team turn? Obviously the defensive secondary will be a huge point of emphasis. The front seven is good, but that will only take a team so far.

Leon Hall probably underplayed his contract recently, but the other three defensive backs were bargains. How much is the team willing to spend to replace the entire unit? Dre Kirkpatrick and Darqueze Dennard are still around. Both are young, highly drafted cornerbacks, but it remains to be seen if they can anchor a backfield.

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I would like to see Cincinnati add at least one veteran corner who can come in expecting to start. Safety may be a spot that can be addressed in the draft, but a veteran will be needed there as well.

There are plenty of available directions; it’s just unusual and oddly disconcerting to see a team need to replenish one area so dearly. Especially since the Bengals will also need to find A.J. Green some help on the outside, and this is not a great free agency class for wide receivers. Cincinnati’s own players make up two of the more intriguing options!

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 /

DAN:

I’m a fan of this year’s free agent class of receivers, but Cincinnati’s are certainly two of the better options. With a deep class out there, adding a veteran presence in the secondary is therefore the most critical need. Good thing the New York Jets just released Antonio Cromartie.

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Cro had a down year last season, so he should come at a favorable price. He had some of his best seasons in New York when he was the leader and dominant presence in the defensive backfield. Playing second fiddle to Darrelle Revis was hit or miss, but in Cincinnati he’ll once again be in charge of the secondary.

I can understand uncertainty in regards to his production, but if the Bengals are serious about developing their young defensive backs, then adding Cromartie is an excellent move. He’s a true veteran that learned how to be an excellent leader. There wasn’t a spot left for him in New York, but considering the desperate times that have befallen the Bengals’ defense, he’s one of the best options out there.

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Cincinnati must act quickly, because experience like Cromartie’s is hard to come by. Get him on a one or two year deal and close the door on that roster spot.

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