Antonio Cromartie may have taken a step back last year as the San Diego Chargers' defense struggled without Shawn Merriman to pressure the quarterback and stuff the run. But he's still a freakish athlete and the type of player you would expect the Chargers to hold onto tightly.Of course, then word on the street (specifically the Bolts Blog) leaks that the team will look to trade Cromartie if/when Drayton Florence, recently released by the Jaguars, signs back in San Diego.
The Chargers will put cornerback Antonio Cromartie on the trading block if they acquire Drayton Florence, according to league sources.Naturally, Smith isn't going to confirm that he's willing to trade Cromartie; as mentioned, Florence isn't signed by the Chargers yet, and the last thing he needs is another explosive personnel management situation on his hands.
[...]Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith would neither confirm nor deny his plans regarding the two cornerbacks.
But assuming that the Chargers do land Florence, this seems like a pretty logical move, considering that right now, Cromartie would probably still pull a pretty nice price in the trade market, even if his 2008 wasn't that spectacular. Maybe that means Smith doesn't believe in Cromartie, or maybe he just thinks the speedy defensive back needs some protection from the front seven and isn't sure Merriman will be 100% there to help make his 2009 look like his 2007.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3-02-2009 @ 10:35PM
cantstopdrinkin said...
Heres a VERY REALISTIC blockbuster that NEEDS to happen : Saints trade Charles Grant, Reggie Bush or P. Thomas, Henderson, and possibly McKenzie or an O linemen to make the salaries match plus a 1st rounder and 3rd or 4th rounder to the Chargers to LT , Cromartie, and filler player (possibly a Linebacker or saftey). I know it seems a far strech but there are already rumors that LT is going to NO and NO needs a playmaking corner more then ANYTHING. They would be getting rid of Grants huge contract and the blow from whichever RB they give up (either Bush or P. Thomas) would be softened by getting LT.....
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3-02-2009 @ 11:08PM
Redskins0492 said...
Yeah, not really considering the Chargers play a 3-4 and the Charles Grant isn't a 3-4 kind of player. And, the rest of the league doesn't rate Pierre Thomas that highly at all. They will soon though.
Either way, that deal is ridiculous, and won't happen. LT is staying with the Chargers, and they are going to draft a RB in the early rounds to make up for LT's inevitable retirement/release in the coming years.
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3-02-2009 @ 11:08PM
YouFaceTheTick said...
LOL They're not gonna trade their only decent DB. unlike the washed up RB, Cromartie had a poor 3rd season but it's not like he's a bust - Craig Davis - or overrated - Wilhelm and Weddel. Cromartie will be better this year. But what the Chargers need starts at DE, then ILB and finally safety. A decent downhill runner would help too!
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3-03-2009 @ 2:04AM
gernjewels24 said...
YouFaceTheTick you're absolutely right, they won't (or at least shouldn't) trade Cromartie...and they definately need a pass rushing DE...hopefully AJ realizes you can't expect a corner to cover any reciever for more than 8 damn seconds!!! Maybe the pass rush problem will ease with Merriman coming back...But a talented D-lineman would be a wise draft choice!
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