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Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, recently wrote a feature on players he feels are overpaid and underpaid in the NFL. Antonio Cromartie is listed as overpaid. Is that fair? Let’s take a look.
Here is what La Canfora wrote about Cromartie –
“Cromartie stepped up last year with Revis injured, but consistency has long been his issue and the pressure will be on to be a true No. 1 corner given how he is being paid. This is another case where the Jets were trapped by a prior deal and limited in what they could do. With a $5 million roster bonus looming in 2014, this is yet another case where 2013 could be it in New York for a well-paid veteran.”
I disagree.
Antonio Cromartie isn’t overpaid.
No way.
He is scheduled to make $9.5 million this year.
That isn’t crazy money for a true #1 cornerback.
And considering the man he’s replacing as the Jets #1 cornerback, Darrelle Revis, is making $16 million this year in Tampa Bay, Cro’s money isn’t that crazy.
Honestly, there wasn’t much of a dropoff last year when Revis got hurt, and Cromartie took over as the Jets #1 cornerback.
Think about it? How many corners in the NFL, right now, are better than Cromartie?
Not many.
Champ Bailey is scheduled to make $9.5 million this year, and Cromartie is better than the 34-year-old Bailey, who isn’t what he used to be. You saw that in the playoffs last year.
Cromartie is 29 and in his prime.
St. Louis Rams cornerback Cortland Finnegan makes $9 million this year.
While Finnegan is probably more physical than Cromartie, “Cro” is the better cover guy.
Another cornerback in that financial ballpark is Dallas Cowboy Brandon Carr, who last year signed a 5-year, $50 million deal.
Cro is probably better than him also.
So no, Cromartie isn’t overpaid.
Especially since he stepped up last year, and filled Revis’ shoes so effectively, making the Pro Bowl.
And he has embraced the leadership role in the secondary.
He will hold a camp for Jets defensive backs before training camp.
Revis got so-so marks as a leader.
Last summer when asked how the Jets two draft pick safeties were coming along, he told the press he wasn’t paying attention.
Cromartie is gung-ho about leading this young secondary. He seems to have matured.
Cro is a rare talent.
He is 6-2, 210 pounds with world class speed and can leap out of the gym.
Athletes like this don’t grow on trees.
He’s a great matchup for tall, athletic receivers.
He had 10 picks in 2007 in San Diego.
So I think La Canfora is wrong. Cro’s salary isn’t out of whack.
And I’d be shocked if the Jets bounced Cromartie after this year due to a $5 million roster bonus.
Maybe they move the money around a little bit, and try to differ the bonus cash, but I don’t think they will let him walk (unless he has a bad year).
The Jets don’t have enough difference-makers on their roster right now.
Cromartie is a difference-maker.
And no, he’s not overpaid.
June 27, 2013
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