Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie abruptly retired near the middle of last Raiders season. The veteran defensive back announced his decision on Instagram, and was never seen again in Alameda.
Rodgers-Cromartie didn’t retire because he stunk. Age certainly didn’t overtake his ability, but he decided to walk away nonetheless.
He wrote that he was at peace with the decision, but chose to return less than five months later, per the NFL Network.
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That certainly raised some eyebrows in Raider Nation, considering his abrupt exit. He turned in his spurs when the Raiders were at a low point at 1-7, with stars traded and veterans feeling on edge with the season taking on water.
Rodgers-Cromartie was erratically used, heavily on defense one week and exclusive on special teams for another. He never uttered a public word of frustration, but left after playing solid defense against Seattle and exactly none the following game against Indianapolis.
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He signed a one-year deal with Oakland and played enough games for an accrued season, so he’ll hit the free-agent market this month. After putting some quality on tape in 2018 in his early 30s, Rodgers-Cromartie should have some suitors later in the free agency period.