With Nnamdi Asomugha finally picking a team and the next two corners -- Johnathan Joseph and Ike Taylor -- already finding their homes, the top guy on the market is Antonio Cromartie.
And Cromartie willingly has taken a back seat to Asomugha, a dynamic which could have something to do with the fact that they’re represented by the same agency.
So now that Cromartie has moved from the on-deck circle, who’ll make a move on him? The Jets will be at the front of the line, and possibly the Cowboys.
Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com reports that the 49ers have “been in touch” with the Cromartie camp.
Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork reports that Eagles cornerback Asante Samuel could be an option for the Jets, but the Eagles would probably more than the Jets would give up in trade. Samuel is due to make a somewhat cap-friendly $5.6 million in 2011.
Either way, and as Cimini explains it, the Jets need a pair of corners who can handle man-to-man coverage. With last year’s first-round pick, Kyle Wilson, not having a stellar rookie season, the Jets need a veteran to pair with Darrelle Revis.
It remains to be seen whether Cromartie is willing to be the Jets’ second choice. Given that Cromartie has willingly played second fiddle through four days of free agency, we’ve got a feeling he’ll find a way to forgive and forget, once the check for the signing bonus clears.