Antonio

Cromartie

According to Lombardi, the Jets are more focused on re-signing Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards. GM Mike Tannenbaum made it clear he wasn’t thrilled with Cromartie’s postseason remarks about Tom Brady, the NFL, and the NFLPA, and the Jets may be interested in free agent Nnamdi Asomugha. Ironically, Cromartie could appeal to the Raiders with a ridiculous size/speed combination. He also excels in press-man schemes like Oakland’s.

Cromartie won’t sign during the exclusive 72-hour window because he’s waiting for Nnamdi Asomugha to set the market. In addition to the Jets, Cromartie listed the Texans, Seahawks, Cowboys, Jaguars, Raiders, and Cardinals as potential landing spots.

The Jets called Cromartie on the first day teams were allowed to negotiate with free agents, so they’re in contact. Cromartie is expected to be “considerably cheaper,” probably only costing $7-9 million annually while Asomugha easily commands double digits. If the Jets sign “Aso”, most signs point to “Cro” landing with the Raiders. They’re the only team connected to him so far.

With the Jets zeroing in on Nnamdi Asomugha, Cromartie appears to be on his way out. The Raiders, of course, will be looking for someone to fill Asomugha’s shoes at a cheaper rate. Cromartie will have to wait for Asomugha to make his decision before figuring out his best option.

There’s a better chance Antonio Cromartie will be brought back, but the Jets won’t “break the bank” to do so. Beat writer Rich Cimini believes it would be “foolish” to hand a starting job to Kyle Wilson with no offseason practices to ease the transition. The Jets could be in the market for a stopgap solution opposite Darrelle Revis.

The Bolts’ first-rounder has looked raw but Jammer said of Cromartie: “He has talents I haven’t seen (before).” The battle will likely extend into training camp.

He did not return and underwent X-rays at the conclusion of the game. The recipient of four penalties and botcher of a punt that eventually turned into a Raiders touchdown, Cromartie had a performance worth forgetting. He may not have a chance to rebound anytime soon, as beat writer Rich Cimini is reporting that Cromartie was taken away in an ambulance. Stay tuned for an update.

“I got a little soreness here and there, but that’s about it.” he said. Cromartie is expected to wear a vest beneath his pads similar to the one worn by Tony Romo against the Redskins last Monday to protect his bruised ribs and lung.

Asked if Cromartie could see time on returns, coach Rex Ryan replied, “There is no chance -- unless we really need him.”

Cromartie likely would have finished last night’s game out if the score was closer. He’ll be ready to go against his former team, the Chargers, Sunday.