A year ago, as midnight struck on 2009 free agency, rookie Jets coach Rex Ryan was skulking around Bart Scott’s driveway in a bold recruiting maneuver that he felt could help shape his new defense.
As the 2010 free-agent signing period approached last night, Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum orchestrated another bold move designed to make the Jets’ No. 1-ranked defense even better when he traded for Chargers cornerback Antonio Cromartie.
The move was particularly critical for the Jets, because they’re being forced to be bystanders in the free agent frenzy because of the “final eight/final four” rule in place with no Collective Bargaining Agreement in place.
The Jets, based on the rule, are prohibited from signing any unrestricted free agents unless they lose one of their own of the same value.
Tannenbaum, nicknamed “Trader Mike” in some circles because of his aggressive style in acquiring personnel, seemingly couldn’t sit still as free agency approached, so he did the next best thing — he pulled off a blockbuster trade.
In acquiring Cromartie, who at 25 has significant upside, the Jets are believed to have given the Chargers a third-round draft pick in 2011, a pick that could escalate into a second-rounder pending Cromartie’s production.
Production and character for Cromartie, however, are somewhat in question. He had 10 interceptions and was a first-team All Pro for the Chargers in 2007, but has had only five in the last two seasons.
According to reports in San Diego, he fell out of favor with Chargers coaches for not being as physical as they desired and reportedly had some off-field issues. Cromartie, according to some reports, has fathered seven children by six different women in five different states and has been named in at least five paternity suits.
All of this bears watching, but if Ryan and his coaching staff can get Cromartie back to his 2007 form, the Jets could have one of the best cornerback combinations in the NFL with Pro Bowler Darrelle Revis on the other side. The Jets yesterday released cornerback Lito Sheppard, whom they acquired in a trade with the Eagles last season. Sheppard was hampered with numerous injuries and couldn’t stay on the field.