The only question is, which version of Antonio Cromartie have the Jets acquired?
A few hours before the NFL’s free agency period began, the Jets improved their secondary in a big way by agreeing in principle with the San Diego Chargers to acquire talented but troubled cornerback Antonio Cromartie(notes) on Thursday night.
The Jets confirmed the deal, but didn’t release specifics—although it is believed to be for a draft pick in 2011.
I like this deal for both teams, as the Chargers really wanted to get rid of Cromartie. After dealing with Merriman’s bullshit all season, the last thing they needed was another distraction. Besides, Jammer and Cason are both very capable corners, and both played much better than Cromartie over the past season. Hopefully the pick is a high one (it’s got to be a 3rd rounder at worst, right?), and I’d expect the Chargers to draft – of course – a running back.
As for the Jets, if Cromartie plays like his 2007 self, they’ll have the best corner tandem in the league. By a lot. If he doesn’t work out, well, the Jets were pretty solid anyway and it’s a risk worth taking.
And for Cromartie himself, going from the warmth and laid-back atmosphere of San Diego to the urban jungle that is New York will be a big change, but as my friend Toby point out, he’s going to impregnate MADDDDDD chicks, yo!
