Antonio Cromartie cut by the New York Jets

Antonio Cromartie’s return to the New York Jets is now over after just one year in his second stint. The Jets have cut him one year after bringing him back following a 1-year stay with the Arizona Cardinals. The Jets, who are up against the salary-cap pretty tight right now with others to sign, have just saved $8 million in salary-cap space.

The move was not unexpected as the 11-year veteran’s play is slipping while he approaches age 32 on opening day. Pro Football Focus gave Cromartie a negative season grade and ranked him 103rd among 118 cornerbacks this season. So the Jets just couldn’t keep paying Cromartie’s salary with the way he’s playing.

The Jets just paid Cromartie $7 million for 2015 and releasing him leaves no dead money on their books. Meanwhile, the promising Marcus Williams is set to replace him across from Darrelle Revis. Cromartie is a tall, lanky cover corner so he could at least play a roll on a defense shadowing taller receivers.

But 2015 is an indication of where he is now, his defensive coordinators will have to keep him away from faster receivers. He improved as the season progressed in 2015 so he might have playing with an injury. Corners these days are at a premium and taller one are a necessity in todays NFL with big receivers.

So since he’s been released before March 9, there’s going to be a decent market for him with teams desperate for a corner.

But it will most likely be a 1-year, prove-it deal.