Antonio Cromartie says his hip is 100%, feels ‘great’
Antonio Cromartie (31) catches a pass before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
The Arizona Cardinals have one of the most athletic secondaries in the NFL, and this is especially true regarding their new cornerback duo of Patrick Peterson and Antonio Cromartie. Signing Cro to a one-year deal was an excellent move by ace GM Steve Keim, who added a top talent on a deal that carries no risk. Cromartie would have been overpaid if the New York Jets didn’t release him, and they never really intended to bring him back after his release. He’s now found a home with the Cardinals organization, and he could be an excellent buy now that he’s motivated. Although he was pretty awful in 2013, Cromartie was so good in 2012 that the upside he brings to the table is immense (especially when you consider that it’s just a one-year deal).
Cromartie played in all 16 games last season, but he also slogged through a couple of injuries, including a hip ailment that could have ended up being much worse than it was. The injury contributed to some of his struggles last season, as he was burned more frequently than the Jets would have liked, especially considering how much they were paying him.
According to ESPN NFL Nation’s Josh Weinfuss, Cromartie stated that his hip feels “like I’m 100 percent” and added that he feels “great”. This hip injury is a non-issue going forward, but Cromartie is more prone to hip injuries than most players. If he does suffer any sort of hip ailment next season, then all eyes will be fixed closely on the injury report. Since it’s a one-year deal that is very much a prove-it contract for the 29-year-old, the Cardinals would feel much more pain on the field than in their wallets if he were to go down with a serious injury.