The Jets might be replacing one Cromartie with another.
Free agent cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie was scheduled to travel to New Jersey on Friday night to visit the Jets, according to a source. The Jets are searching for a top cornerback after releasing Antonio Cromartie, a cousin of Rodgers-Cromartie, on Sunday.
In an intriguing development, Rodgers-Cromartie is slated to visit the Giants if he doesn’t sign with the Jets first.
Rodgers-Cromartie had three interceptions for the Broncos last season, but Denver opted to sign Aqib Talib instead of him this week. Rodgers-Cromartie has 19 interceptions in six seasons with the Broncos, Eagles and Cardinals.
Rodgers-Cromartie, 27, is the best cornerback left on the free agent market. The Jets have a huge hole to fill at the position because coach Rex Ryan’s system is predicated on having strong cornerbacks. The Giants, meanwhile, are in need of a corner to play opposite Prince Amukamara.
The Broncos reportedly offered Rodgers-Cromartie a six-year, $54 million deal that he turned down, causing them to turn to Talib. Jets general manager John Idzik has shown a conservative approach to contracts, leading you to believe there is no way he’ll come close to that.
There is also some concern in the NFL over Rodgers-Cromartie’s comments before the Super Bowl that he was contemplating retirement. He quickly backed off them, but it is a red flag.
Tight end Brandon Pettigrew, who drew some interest from the Jets, re-signed with the Lions on Friday.
The Titans released veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick on Friday. He could be a potential target of the Jets, searching for a backup to Geno Smith.
— Additional reporting by Paul Schwartz