Jets general manager John Idzik swung his ax Sunday, cutting veteran cornerback Antonio Cromartie.
In a move that has been expected for months, the Jets parted ways with Cromartie just two days before free agency begins.
Cromartie’s play slipped drastically in 2013, making this decision a no-brainer because of the money he was owed.
Cromartie had one year remaining on his contract and was due a $5 million roster bonus this week. He was scheduled to count $15 million against the salary cap in 2014. By cutting Cromartie, the Jets will save $9.5 million against the cap.
“Cro is one of the finest athletes I’ve ever coached,” 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.”
A source said the Jets could bring Cromartie back at a reduced rate, but it is unlikely. Cromartie turns 30 next month and is coming off his worst season with the Jets. He played with a hip injury all season.
Cromartie took to Twitter to say his goodbyes Sunday afternoon.
“I would like 2 thank the Jets organization so much with helpin [sic] me grow as leader and a player. S/O 2 my teammates I wish u guys the best,” Cromartie tweeted. “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.”
Now, the question is where the Jets will go for a starting cornerback. They are interested in Titans free agent cornerback Alterraun Verner, according to a source, and called his representatives Saturday to express their interest. Verner could command around $10 million, though, and the Jets will have a lot of competition for him. The Tennessean reported the Giants, Rams, Vikings, Lions and Steelers also are interested. The Patriots’ Aqib Talib is the other top corner available through free agency. Teams are permitted to speak with players’ agents right now, but no contracts can be signed until Tuesday at 4 p.m.
At the moment, the Jets’ top cornerbacks are Dee Milliner, coming off a shaky rookie year, and Kyle Wilson, who plays mainly nickel.
Cromartie is the first of the Jets’ expected salary-cap cuts. Wide receiver Santonio Holmes and quarterback Mark Sanchez could be the next two to go. The Jets will save an additional $16.5 million by releasing Holmes and Sanchez. At the moment, the team is approximately $30 million under the salary cap.
The Jets acquired Cromartie in a 2010 trade with the Chargers, giving up a second-round pick. He was used on defense, offense and special teams. His play was inconsistent in his first two seasons with the Jets, but he was the team’s best player in 2012 when he stepped into the No. 1 cornerback role after Darrelle Revis suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 3. He went on to make the Pro Bowl. Cromartie was tabbed for the Pro Bowl again in 2013 as a replacement, but he admitted it was one of his worst seasons. Cromartie had 13 interceptions in his four seasons with the Jets.
The team signed him to a four-year, $32 million deal in 2011 after failing in its pursuit of Nnamdi Asomugha.