Antonio Cromartie Open To Re-Signing With The Jets?

Cardinals impending free agent CB Antonio Cromartie has publicly applauded the Jets recent hiring of Todd Bowles as their new head coach.

“I think it’s a great hire,” Cromartie said Friday, via NFL.com. “The reason why I say that is he’s one of the smartest coaches I’ve been around. I’ve been around Rex (Ryan), I’ve been around our defensive coordinator (with New York Jets) in Dennis Thurman — those guys are smart. Being around a guy like Todd Bowles, who can tell you exactly what an offense is gonna do just by from the offensive linemen to how the quarterback stands in the backfield or where the running back is, that just speaks volumes on what kind of time he puts into his work.”

From his recent comments, it sounds like Cromartie would be open to returning to New York for the opportunity to continue playing for Bowles.

“I’m leaving the door open, until the Super Bowl is over with I’m still an Arizona Cardinal. Until they come to me about a contract, I’m still an Arizona Cardinal,” Cromartie said. “But once (free agency) hits and no one’s offered me a contract, then I’m free game. And I’m open to anything to go out and try to win a championship and help any organization.”

Cromartie also mentioned that the Jets will have plenty of cap space to work with, which is true, as well as a big need at cornerback, so this could be something to keep an eye on in the coming months.

Cromartie, 30, signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract that included $3.25 million in fully guaranteed with the Cardinals last year after the Jets cut him loose.

While Cromartie is getting up there in age, he is coming off of a solid season in Arizona in which he recorded 48 tackles, three interceptions, a fumble recovery 10 pass defenses and even scored a defensive touchdown. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 45 cornerback out of 108 qualifying players.

We have Cromartie currently rated as the No. 45 player in our Top 50 Free Agents list.