In a salary-cap saving move, the New York Jets have waived veteran cornerback Antonio Cromartie, the team confirmed on Sunday.
Cromartie first broke the news by taking to Twitter to thanks Jets fans for his four seasons in New York, where he amassed 142 tackles and 13 interceptions. The 29-year-old Cromartie was due a $5 million roster bonus this week if he had remained on the roster and was heading into the final year of a four-year, $32 million deal. The move is expected to save the Jets somewhere in the neighborhood of $10 million against this year’s salary cap.
According to ESPN, the Jets are interested in re-signing Cromartie, but will continue to explore the cornerback market via both free agency and the upcoming draft.
“Cro is one of the finest athletes I’ve ever coached,” Jets coach Rex Ryan said in a statement released by the team. “He was willing to contribute wherever the team needed him to win games, be it defense, special teams or offense. He has a passion and enthusiasm for the game and I wish him and his family the best.”
Plagued by a hip injury much of last season, Cromartie suffered through one of his poorest statistical seasons (35 tackles, three interceptions) in recent years. At the end of the year, he hinted that he expected to be a salary-cap dump and feared his run in New York might be coming to an end.
“I would like 2 thank the Jets organization so much with helpin me grow as leader and a player,” Cromartie tweeted on Sunday. “S/O 2 my teammates, I wish u guys the best. I would also like to give a big up to The Jets Fan base. Thank you for all the support thru my 4 yr career with you. Thank you again.”
ESPN reports the Jets have already reached out to Tennessee’s Alterraun Verner as a potential secondary starter alongside second-year emerging star Dee Milliner.
