Antonio Cromartie needed to have a solid season to stay on the roster. He did not, and the Jets released the veteran cornerback on Monday, saving $8 million on the 2016 salary cap.
Cromartie, 31, started 15 games in 2015, and has always been extremely durable. His performance dipped, though, and the Jets have plenty of depth at cornerback, with Darrelle Revis, Buster Skrine, Marcus Williams and former first-round pick Dee Milliner coming back off wrist surgery.
There is a chance the Jets will re-sign Cromartie at a reduced salary. He signed a four-year, $32 million deal prior to the 2015 season, but only last year’s salary was guaranteed, allowing the Jets to save the full $8 million with his release, with no dead money counted on the cap. The Jets now project as roughly $21 million under the salary cap for 2016.
In an Instagram post with a lengthy caption, Cromartie sounded as if he does not expect to return.
“I would like to thank the Jets Organization for bringing me back this past season. I had a lot of fun and I know my first [half] of the season didn’t go well and I thank you guys for pushing and believing in me to keep me on the field so I could finish strong. Today is a sad day for me not because of my release but the guys I became really close in our DB room,” Cromartie wrote.
“To Jets Nation the most important people that make Sunday’s so fun thank you for welcoming me back. You guys are the best fans ever and thank you for sticking next to me through my tough times last season you rock. Keep the excitement in the stands because Coach Bowles will have the guys right this upcoming season.”
Cromartie, a 10-year veteran, played for the Jets from 2010 through the 2013 season before he was cut by former general manager John Idzik. Cromartie spent the 2014 season with the Cardinals before the Jets brought him back.
Williams, an undrafted player from North Dakota State, played in 13 games last season, with three starts, and came away with six interceptions. He is an option as a starter opposite Revis.
This past season, Cromartie had 33 tackles, one fumble recovery and a team-leading 16 pass defenses. He also had a 25.1-yard average as a kickoff returner.