New York Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie (31) catches a pass before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Antonio Cromartie was the top free agent corner after Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who very nearly replaced his cousin on the New York Jets, decided to sign a lucrative deal with the New York Giants as their CB1. Now, Antonio Cromartie is also off the board, as a source tells ESPN’s Adam Schefter that he has signed a one-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals.
Cromartie visited the Cardinals exactly a week ago, and the 29-year-old looks like an excellent signing for the Cardinals organization. He had a very disappointing 2013 campaign after officially replacing Darrelle Revis, who was traded in the offseason, as the team’s No. 1 corner, and he filled that role perfectly in 2012. It was a big down year for an inconsistent corner, and his release from the Jets wasn’t a surprise at all given his subpar 2013 and exorbitant salary.
But on a one-year deal, Cromartie is an amazing signing for the Cardinals, and he, Patrick Peterson, and Tyrann Mathieu will form a formidable defensive back group in the desert. Cro and Peterson should form one of the most individually talented CB duos in the league, and they should also be a terrific shutdown duo overall if Cro can bounce back. He has all the talent in the world, but he needs good health and consistency. In a contract year, expect Cromartie to do whatever he can to prove both.