Probably something we could have all expected, but now its on record. ___________________________________________________________________________ New York Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie, perhaps only days away from becoming an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career, sounded Tuesday like he's eager for a bidding war. Cromartie said he doesn't believe in "hometown discounts," and that he won't re-sign with the Jets during their exclusive negotiating period. He made it clear that he intends to hit the open market. Mike and Mike in the Morning Agent Drew Rosenhaus says that NFL free agency is going to be out of control but it may be the most efficient offseason ever. More Podcasts » "I'm not giving anybody a hometown discount," Cromartie said during an interview with Sirius XM Radio. "I'm definitely going to see what the organization says and also let them know I want to go out and test the market and see where my value is." Jets blog Looking for more on the green and white? ESPNNewYork.com has you covered. Blog Under the reported terms of the proposed collective bargaining agreement, which could be ratified by players and owners by Thursday, teams will have a three-day window to re-sign their own free agents. That will be a critical time for the Jets, who have a number of high-profile free agents in addition to Cromartie -- namely wide receivers Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards and Brad Smith. Cromartie said he has researched potential suitors, mentioning the Houston Texans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys and Oakland Raiders as teams that will be looking for a No. 1 cornerback. There has been endless speculation on how the Jets will prioritize their free agents. Cromartie said he believes he should be the team's No. 1 or No. 2 priority, mentioning Holmes as the other. Interestingly, Cromartie believes Holmes should be ahead of Edwards in the team's pecking order, claiming Holmes is a better fit in the system and a better match with quarterback Mark Sanchez. Cromartie said he "would love the opportunity" to remain with the Jets, but he didn't sound too sentimental. Of course, it could be posturing. He said he'd like to sign no later than three days into the free agency period. After the Raiders' Nnamdi Asomugha, the consensus No. 1 corner on the market, Cromartie figures to be one of the most coveted players at the position. The Jets traded a second-round pick last year for Cromartie, who fell out of favor with the San Diego Chargers. For the most part, he played well last season, tying for the team lead with three interceptions. But he also led the team in penalties and allowed a team-high seven touchdown passes. If the Jets lose Cromartie, they could hand the job to Kyle Wilson, last year's No. 1 pick, or sign a proven veteran. Rich Cimini covers the Jets for ESPNNewYork.com.
Mmm, strange that he would say that... although he certainly is moronic enough to do such a thing. That said he has to support like 15 children so it makes sense for him to try and cash in! We might miss him as a player but as a person I really don't give a fuck about him...
The real question is.......would we take back that 2nd round draft pick if given the chance? For a single year's service........making it to the AFC Championship game and losing. Eh.
It's a wash really. Oh and bye "Alcrotraz" don't let the door hit where the good lord split you. Hopefully Wilson will make the jump this year and we can focus on Holmes and Edwards.
Absolutely, we made it the year before w/o him. He wasn't the difference maker though he did play well at NE.
Mambo, here's what Cro said in context (he said this in response to a question about who he believes the Jets top priorities are):
f*ck Cro at this point. I always thought we should sign the WRs anyway for Sanchez. Kyle Wilson was a first round pick, we gotta see if he can play. Lockout didnt help his development but screw it. You don't pick corners in the first round to play nickel for 5 years.
I have no problem seeing Cro walk if some other team ponies up more $ but yeah, losing the second round pick for a one year rental doesn't seem like great value. A compensatory pick might lessen the sting a little if Wilson is ready to step up.
I think Cro is good but he's not elite, we can sub for him. Maybe Wilson, maybe FA, but either way it's not a big loss.
I'm going to guess that almost no premier free agents will sign during the three day window. It just doesn't make much sense to? Whatever offer was there will likely still be there after a few days when you see what your other options are. Teams just can't credibly make the "take it or leave it" threat with the window being so short and so many teams being forced to spend a ton of money to get up to the salary floor.
not that you expect loyalty because it is all about the dough, I fully understant that.....but after the Jets took care of him with an advance last year to pay his child support bills, at least shut the f*ck up about it and just hit the market if thats what you want to do. I dont need to hear that you arent taking any discounts. Just do it and stfu.
2nd guessing is pointless and any idiot can do it. But I sure would have liked the opportunity to draft either Justin Houston or Martez Wilson for the rush OLB spot.
