The Arizona Cardinals are going back to the Cromartie family to help fix their cornerback depth chart.
Free-Agent Tracker
Follow all the developments on the NFL's open market with our up-to-the-minute tracking of 2014's free agents. **More ...**
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Thursday that Antonio Cromartie had agreed to join Arizona on a one-year deal, according to a source informed in the process. The team later confirmed the move.Â
The "prove-it" deal will pay Cromartie $3.25 million, according to the Arizona Republic, with another $500,000 available in incentives.
The Cardinals drafted Cromartie's cousin, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, back in 2008 before trading him three years later to Philadelphia.
This is yet another move that will annoy New York Jets coach Rex Ryan, who was reportedly "pissed" that the Jets have failed to sign a top-level cornerback after releasing Cromartie at the start of free agency. The Jets tried and failed to sign DRC.
The Cardinals, meanwhile, take a worthwhile gamble on a talented player. Antonio Cromartie was a disaster last season because of injuries and an apparent lack of confidence, but he was a top-15 NFL cornerback for a few years before that under Ryan. He figures to start opposite Patrick Peterson, with Tyrann Mathieu and Jerraud Powers locking up guys in the slot.
On a defense that talented, Cromartie will be targeted often until he proves last year was a one-year slump.
UPDATE:Antonio Cromartie's wife Terricka, aka "Lady Cro," is not taking the news well:
The latest "Around The League Podcast" breaks down DeSean Jackson trade rumors and tries to figure out who will be next year's Michael Bennett (or Brent Grimes).
