Jets Cut Cromartie, More Cuts On the Way

The New York Jets took the first step to clensing themselves of some horrid contracts, Sunday, when they cut cornerback Antonio Cromartie, who was due a $5 million roster bonus this season. By cutting the former Pro Bowl corner, the Jets essentially saved $9.5 million of cap space.

According to Rich Cimini of ESPN NY, Cromartie's release means the Jets will have $30 million in cap room, which will grow when the team releases Santonio Holmes and Mark Sanchez.

There is always the chance that Cromartie could re-sign with New York for a much more cap friendly contract, but at age 30, and having come off his worst year as a Jet, perhaps it is time to move on. The Jets made no effort to even renegotiate Cromartie's current deal.

That being said New York needs a shut down corner, and after the franchise let go of Darrelle Revis last year, they are without a big time corner now.

The Jets could pursue the likes of Aquib Talib or Quentin Jammer, both are free agents, but that is just pure speculation; it is not known publicly how the Jets will address the cornerback situation, but they need a definite upgrade at the position especially after how poorly both Cromartie and Dee Milliner played in 2013.

There are even rumors flying around the Jets could tab former 49ers safety Donte Whitner once free agency begins on Tuesday.

However now the attention turns to both Holmes and Sanchez. We all know what an albatross both players have been for the Jets the past few seasons, especially Sanchez who went from promising rookie in 2009 to total disaster a couple seasons later. The Jets can't get Sanchez out of New York fast enough.

As for Holmes, his poor performance and bad attitude did him in. I think the Jets had their fill with Holmes going back to the 2011 season finale, when he was screaming at Sanchez, and benched himself on the sideline while his team lost to Miami.

The Jets will save $17 million when these two get cut, freeing up close to $50 million in cap room for New York.

Get ready to hear the Jets named called a lot in the next couple of days.