The Jets and Giants last played each other in a meaningful game in 2011. But they are competing again this weekend.
The local teams are vying for the services of free-agent cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. The best corner left on the free-agent market spent Saturday visiting the Jets and is scheduled to meet with the Giants next if he does not sign with Gang Green, according to a source.
Rodgers-Cromartie is coming off a three-interception season for the AFC-champion Broncos, and he turns just 28 next month. Denver let him walk after he reportedly turned down a six-year, $54 million contract. The Broncos signed Aqib Talib instead.
Cornerback is a huge need for both the Jets and the Giants, but there is a question of whether either team will meet the asking price of Rodgers-Cromartie. It is highly doubtful either team would come close to the $9 million per year offer he turned down in Denver.
The Jets are searching for a replacement for Antonio Cromartie, a cousin of Rodgers-Cromartie. Gang Green released Cromartie last week after four years with the team. They passed on Darrelle Revis and missed out on Vontae Davis and Alterraun Verner, who all signed early in the free-agency period. At the moment, the Jets’ top two cornerbacks are Dee Milliner and Kyle Wilson.
The Giants are looking for someone to start alongside Prince Amukamara. They voided Corey Webster’s deal last month, and Terrell Thomas is a free agent.
Rodgers-Cromartie is viewed as talented but flighty. He scared off some teams during the week before the Super Bowl when he spoke about possibly retiring. He has played for the Cardinals, Eagles and Broncos.
Rodgers-Cromartie is the top cornerback left, and if the teams don’t sign him, the only other top corners remaining are Walter Thurmond III and Antonio Cromartie. The Jets did not rule out bringing back Cromartie when they cut him last week, but it was thought to be unlikely. He has been visiting the Cardinals, but had not signed as of Saturday afternoon.