Jets trade for Antonio Cromartie

With the limitations the Jets faced in Free Agency due to the "Final 8/Final 4" rules, many Jets fans assumed that this would be a rather quiet off-season, at least compared to last few seasons. However, it should come as no surprise that Mike Tannenbaum was looking at any and every possible way of improving the Jets' roster. Late Thursday night, The New York Jets and the San Diego Chargers have agreed on a trade that will send CB Antonio Cromartie to the Jets in exchange for a conditional 3rd round pick in the 2011 draft. Reports are stating that the pick could reach a 2nd rounder, depending on Cromartie's playing time and the team's performance. Expect to see the full details of the trade to be released later today.

Cromartie, the four year veteran drafted out of Florida State in 2006, had a career high 10 interceptions in 2007 and was voted to his first Pro Bowl. Cromartie's best year was in 2007, where he was in a defense that utilized his man coverage skills. His production over the last 2 seasons has dropped, especially in regards to interceptions. The production drop over the past two seasons may have been from the decrease in the pass rush from Chargers' LB Shawne Merriman and also the Chargers' defense using Cromartie more in a zone coverage scheme. There has also been criticism of Cromartie's physical toughness and his tackling ability, which many Jets fans can remember from his attempted "tackle" on RB Shonn Greene in the AFC Divisional Playoff game a few months ago. How will his toughness fit in with Rex Ryan's physical style of defense?

Look for Rex Ryan to use Cromartie in a similar way as they use All-Pro CB Darelle Revis. I expect them to put Cromartie, for the most part, on the opposing team's number 2 WR while they put Revis on the number 1 WR. Cromartie also has a bigger frame than Revis, so they could match him up on the bigger WRs in the league, like Houston's Andre Johnson or San Diego's Vincent Jackson.

Cromartie has had his share of off the field issues that could be cause for concerns. He has 7 different children with 6 different women in 5 different states. He also has some problems with the DMV and has failed to show up at court a few times to pay his fines. More about these issues can be read here.

If the Jets had given up a pick in this year's draft, which appears to be one of the deepest drafts in recent years, I would have completely different thoughts on the trade. The Jets have limited picks this year, and have to patch up the aging OL and DL, as well as find a slot WR. Tannenbaum loves to patch up all the holes before the draft, allowing the Jets to become creative on draft day and not to have to make a "reach" pick just to fill a need. If Cromartie can reach his full potential, this trade will be an absolute steal. If anyone can help Cromartie find his true form, it will be Rex Ryan.