Cromartie traded to Jets

Top cornerback moving to New York to join Jets from San Diego

Cromartie: Moving to New York

The New York Jets have moved to make their top-ranked defence even better after trading for San Diego Chargers cornerback Antonio Cromartie.

The 25-year-old is as talented a cornerback as there is in the NFL, but has had several run-ins with Chargers coaches and officials and general manager AJ Smith had clearly stated he was looking for a trade.

The Jets have responded and have moved to bring Cromartie to New York by handing San Diego an initial third-round draft pick in 2011, which will be elevated for a second rounder depending on how he plays this coming season.

Rex Ryan's team made it all the way to the AFC Championship game last season mainly on the back of their fearsome defence, and their number one unit could now be even better with Cromartie working opposite Pro Bowl cornerback Darrelle Revis in possibly the best tandem in the league.

Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum was forced into making a big trade move as his team can only sign a free agent if they lose one of the same value, under the terms of a rule being enforced with no Collective Bargaining Agreement in place.

Asset

Cromartie will be a huge asset if he can reproduce his 2007 form when, in just his second year in the NFL, he made a franchise record 10 interceptions and ran in the longest TD in NFL history by returning a missed field goal 109 yards.

Off-field issues have surrounded him though, with run-ins with the police and head coach Norv Turner, while his form dipped last season, most notably against his new team the Jets when he let Shonn Greene walk past him to score a crucial touchdown in the play-offs.

To date Cromartie has 15 interceptions in four season after being drafted 19th overall from Florida State, and he will hope to rediscover his best form under defensive mastermind Ryan in the Big Apple.

The Chargers have also made other moves after placing the maximum first round and third round draft pick tender on running back Darren Sproles to keep him in San Diego.

With LaDainian Tomlinson gone Sproles may get more of the ball next season, but the Chargers still want a new running back, although the view Sproles as a valuable addition after offering him a $7 million contract for the season.

Talks

"I know they always wanted Darren back, and we've talked about that," said Sproles' agent Gary Wichard.

"It gives us an opportunity to continue to talk about the long-term deal both sides want. I think they realize there's tremendous interest in Darren out there."

San Diego decided against keeping veteran tackle Jamaal Williams though, with the 12-year run-blocking stalwart being released after suffering an arm injury last year.

Other star players to receive the highest tender offers possible are wide receivers Vincent Jackson and Malcolm Floyd, linebacker Shane Merriman and left tackle Marcus McNeill,who have all been offered deals of just over $3 million.