Antonio Cromartie has been a free agent for some time now and that may be because of his play last season. The only problem with that reasoning is that the Jets were exposed in the defensive backfield and even Darrelle Revis did not look like himself.
Cromartie recorded 15 starts, 29 combined tackles, 12 pass defenses, and 0 interceptions. Throughout Cromartie's career he has recorded 403 combined tackles, 114 pass defenses, 31 interceptions, 3 defensive touchdowns, and 2 forced fumbles.
He has been a fixture in the New York Jets defense for the majority of his NFL career. Now he will look for a new franchise to align himself with and the New England Patriots may be perfect for this former Jet. The Patriots could use a solid veteran cornerback to add to the depth of this defense and Cromartie is really the only corner on the market who fits that bill.
If the Patriots sign Cromartie that will be the eighth free agent the team has signed this offseason. The Patriots have yet to bring in and sign a defensive back who could help bolster this secondary. The Patriots have brought in former Washington Redskins defensive end Frank Kearse who is only 27 years old and Chris Long who at 30 is still one of the most productive defensive ends in his age bracket.
Long left the Los Angeles Rams after he was released to make room for younger talent. The Patriots have signed wide receiver Nate Washington from the Houston Texans but at 32 years old the Patriots cannot expect a ton of production.
Washington suffered several lingering injuries that kept him off of the field for quite some time. New England also brought in Shea McClellin from the Chicago Bears to help the Patriots stop the run and generate some pressure.
The only other linebacker the Patriots picked up was Ramon Humber from the New Orleans Saints who should make a bit more of an impact in New England than he did in New Orleans. Humber is likely just a depth addition as the Patriots will miss a round during the 2016 NFL Draft thanks to their involvement in the Deflategate scandal.
The last player the Patriots acquired in free agency was running back Donald Brown even though perennial Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount is still a free agent. If the New England Patriots hope to get back to the Super Bowl solidifying this secondary is the only thing they can do to stop opposing teams and Cromartie is a talented veteran with a lot of experience.
