Antonio Cromartie, cornerback
Age: 31
Height: 6-2
Weight: 210
Last team: Arizona Cardinals
Scouting report
Cromartie has spent nine seasons in the league with three different teams since being drafted 19th overall by the Chargers in 2006. The four-time Pro Bowl corner has had some very good seasons and has made the Pro Bowl in each of the past three years. He has 31 career interceptions in 143 games, 118 of which he started. He’s picked off at least three passes in six straight years and seven of his past eight. He made $4 million last season in salary and bonuses on a one-year deal.
Geoff’s take
Corners over 30 tend to nosedive suddenly when you never saw it coming (see: Asomugha, Nnamdi). But Cro made the Pro Bowl last year on an outstanding defense and plays the style of defense that suits him to Bill Davis’ scheme. He can play on an island. His age scares you and he might not be the “culture” fit that Chip Kelly seeks, but if the Eagles can’t land one of the market’s top young corners I’d have zero issues if they signed Cromartie to a one-year deal. He’d be the best corner on the team.
Roob’s take
Nnamdi Asomugha was a first-team All-Pro in his last year with the Raiders. Think about that for a minute. Not just a Pro Bowl pick his last year before becoming an Eagle but a first-team All-Pro. Cornerbacks lose it in a hurry, and although Cromartie still seemed to be an effective corner last year playing for Todd Bowles in Arizona, I’d tread lightly with a guy who turns 31 this spring and is going to demand a somewhat sizeable contract. I want to go young in this secondary and build something that can last. Cromartie isn’t the way to do that.