NFL

Jets see another CB go off market with Rodgers-Cromartie deal

The Jets are getting close to putting an ad in the classifieds for a cornerback.

The team watched as another top cornerback came off the market Monday when Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie signed with the crosstown rival Giants. Rodgers-Cromartie visited the Jets first on Saturday before going to see the Giants, who reportedly gave him a five-year, $39 million deal with $15 million guaranteed.

It’s possible the money was just too high in general manager John Idzik’s eyes, but the Jets are running out of strong options to play cornerback. The most likely scenario now is a reunion with Antonio Cromartie, whom they released last week. Cromartie visited the Cardinals last week but has remained unsigned.

It’s no secret Jets coach Rex Ryan loves cornerbacks. He often says quarterbacks and cornerbacks are the most important positions, but right now he has second-year man Dee Milliner and the disappointing Kyle Wilson as his top corners. Surely, Ryan is pulling his hair out as he contemplates Darrelle Revis now being in New England and Rodgers-Cromartie playing for the Giants.

Idzik has not spoken to reporters in weeks, so it’s unclear what his plan is. The view around the league is he is tough to negotiate with and that could be costing the Jets. One agent said Idzik “won’t budge an inch.”

Idzik spent Monday at the Louisville pro day watching quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and the other Cardinals.

As for the offensive line, the Jets are trying to re-sign right guard Willie Colon, according to a source. Colon is recovering from surgery to repair a torn biceps. He has drawn interest from other teams, but it sounds like a deal with the Jets will get done.


Free agent safety Ryan Clark told USA Today the Jets are interested in him, but it sounds like he may sign with the Redskins.