Packers Looking At Cromartie?

Buried at the end of this report from Chris Mortensen over at ESPN.com about the San Diego Chargers looking to trade for a running back, with cornerback Antonio Cromartie as the bait, is this little tidbit:

Several teams are looking for cornerback depth, including the Green Bay Packers, sources said.The Chargers may be willing to trade Cromartie for a draft choice that could give them more flexibility to select at least one running back in this year's draft, sources said.

Finally - a trade rumor that I can fully get behind.

Bringing in Cromartie would go a long way to shoring up the Packers depleted secondary. The kid is talented and would be great insurance in the event that Al Harris takes longer than his, some would say overly ambitious, statement that he would be back in six months from his devastating knee injury.

All this said - I fully expect Ted to be in the running, only to watch as another GM swoops in at the last minute, snatching Cromartie up on draft day, ensuring Thompson retains his crown.

 

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Comments (67)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
M orli's picture

February 17, 2010 at 05:50 am

I love you, Aaron Nagler.

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PackerAaron's picture

February 17, 2010 at 05:59 am

So I got that goin' for me. Which is nice.

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AdaminEngland's picture

February 17, 2010 at 06:58 am

As long as the depth cones from somewhere other than the undrafted that's more than fine by me.

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PackerMax's picture

February 17, 2010 at 06:59 am

I would love to see it, but I'm not holding my breath on this one. And that goes for all of the trade rumors this offseason.

Maybe TT will surprise everyone this year, but I don't see him trading draft picks for anything.

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Shootz's picture

February 17, 2010 at 07:20 am

Well he surprised everyone by trading up last year, didn't he? Ted seems to place a value on a player or pick and will never, ever deviate from it so it's possible that, instead of being free-agency-shy or not-trading-down-shy that he's just been playing each year's situation as he sees it instead of having this compulsive need never to spend any capital.

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Franklin Hillside's picture

February 17, 2010 at 07:31 am

Hail to the king, baby.

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G Cooper's picture

February 17, 2010 at 07:31 am

Love this trade. Then find a safety to complete the db's and/or move Harris back there

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hyperRevue's picture

February 17, 2010 at 07:41 am

What sort of draft pick compensation do you think the Chargers would seek for Cromartie? What would you be willing to give up, Aaron? A 2nd rounder? A 3rd?

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AK26's picture

February 17, 2010 at 08:02 am

I'm not sure how comfortable I'd be giving up a second-rounder for Cromartie. Don't get me wrong, he's an absolutely electrifying player...but as Chris Mortenson (amongst others) has alluded to, he is much better when playing behind a front 7 that can really get after the quarterback. Also, he allegedly bashed some dude over the head with a champagne bottle after a win against Denver late this season, raising the "character concern" flag that Thompson waves all too often. That being said, given his extraordinary athletic abilities, I could see Dom Capers (down the road) putting Cromartie in position to make plays all over the field, similar to how he utilized Woodson this season. He could also return kicks or punts in a pinch if need be.

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Franklin Hillside's picture

February 17, 2010 at 08:03 am

They'll want a 2nd, but he's maybe worth a 3rd. He's still living off his rookie year.

Rob Davis will shape him up, he's a head case.

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hyperRevue's picture

February 17, 2010 at 08:28 am

I think I'd give up a 2nd for him. Assuming they'd grab an OT in the 1st round, 2nd round pick would be Cromartie. That fills two big needs very nicely.
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I'd love to see Woodson take him under his wing, share some of his wisdom with the kid, both on the field and off. Kid is only 25.

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Ruppert's picture

February 17, 2010 at 08:52 am

Thompson give up a draft pick? Yeah yeah, sure sure. He'll retain his crown.

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Jim in DC's picture

February 17, 2010 at 08:57 am

Do you think the Bolts would take Jared Bush in trade? ;)

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elhandro's picture

February 17, 2010 at 09:43 am

Most Charger fans would be jumping for joy if they got a pick for him. Don't be fooled by his picks, he has some major flaws.

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PackerAaron's picture

February 17, 2010 at 09:45 am

What player doesn't? It's just amazing how these 'major flaws' started appearing just about the same time the Chargers' pass rush disappeared. Curious, that...

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Dilligaff's picture

February 17, 2010 at 09:48 am

I would offer AJ Hawk and a 4th round pick, or
Our first round pick for Cromartie and the the Chargers 2nd round. IMO the Pack is giving up very little in this years draft, picks 20-65 are deep with talent, not much of a drop off from our 23 position. This may be inviting to the Chargers to have 2 in the first round and fits TT's trading down mentality.

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hyperRevue's picture

February 17, 2010 at 09:52 am

Stop with the Hawk trades! No one is taking him! haha.

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The 1st for Cromartie and their 2nd does sound like a TT trade to me, though.

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elhandro's picture

February 17, 2010 at 09:53 am

Have you watched him before Aaron? I haven't but I know a ton of smart San Diego people who despise him. Basically, the kid doesn't know how to play football and is an athlete trying to play CB (not very well). Whether that is true or not, I can't say.

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PackerAaron's picture

February 17, 2010 at 10:12 am

elhandro - I've watched a fair share. Will really hunker down and look at him now. But can say, without a doubt, he is better than Will Blackmon, Pat Lee and Jarrett Bush...

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Nypacker's picture

February 17, 2010 at 09:58 am

I'd hate to rain on everyone's parade but TT has nothing really worthy to offer that the chargers would really want. The only thing that I could think of would be a first round pick but hey it's TT so who knows. However we all know that the chargers will take the best offer worthy to them and there are tons of other options ahead of anything that TT could place on the table. For instance Leon Washington and a draft pick for cromartie makes lots of sense b/c both jets and chargers would benefit. Another team who is desperate for a corner is Atlanta and i don't think they would mind parting ways with norwood or their first round pick which is higher than the packers'.

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PackerAaron's picture

February 17, 2010 at 10:09 am

Nypacker - disagree. Offering Ryan Grant a decent pick would def get the Chargers' attention. Grant's salary is extremely favorable and he is under contract for a few more years, unlike Washington who is a RFA.

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Scrumptrulescent's picture

February 17, 2010 at 10:08 am

Is Cromartie much more than a name? He's definitely not worth a 1st or 2nd in my opinion. TT doesn't like giving up his draft picks for players. I'm not seeing it.

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PackerAaron's picture

February 17, 2010 at 10:10 am

Scrump - Cromartie is more than a name. A superstar? No. A quality corner for a team that desperately needs help at the position? Yes.

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hyperRevue's picture

February 17, 2010 at 10:24 am

Doesn't moving Grant just fill one need by creating another? I feel like the hole left by moving Grant would be far greater than the current hole at #2/#3 CB.

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BubbaOne's picture

February 17, 2010 at 10:25 am

You have to ask yourself...Why is SD so willing to get rid of such a perceived talent as Cromartie? He takes too many chances, character issues, athlete vs football player, et al. The last thing Capers needs is someone else who's not assignment sure.

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PackerAaron's picture

February 17, 2010 at 10:28 am

Bubba - again, the Packers would use him at nickel - where he's had his most success. If and when Harris comes back, he'd be in the dime. Perfect.

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D.D. Driver's picture

February 17, 2010 at 10:29 am

No it doesn't create a hole because Ahman Green is going to party like its 1999 (rolls eyes).

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PackerAaron's picture

February 17, 2010 at 10:31 am

DDD - BJax, A Green and a draft pick would be more than fine. Rodgers is the offense. The RB is almost immaterial.

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Dilligaff's picture

February 17, 2010 at 10:37 am

Aaron you surprise me, putting more value in AJ Hawk than R. Grant. Interesting.

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CSS's picture

February 17, 2010 at 10:39 am

Cromartie is an asset in coverage but a liability against the run. Bear in mind, this is a deep cover corner class with talent likely available deep into the 2nd round. The price may be right in round 3, but I wouldn't part with a 2nd.

When TT and his scouts stack their board they'll have to ask themselves the tradeoff: how is their draft board stacked and where do they project availability of sound corners in the draft vs. the skillset Cromartie offers for that round. i.e. - Devin McCourtey (Rutgers) and Kareem Jackson (Alabama) are oustanding talents that can likely slide to the Packers in the 2nd round, how does their ceiling stack up against Comartie (who is already at his ceiling but you know what you're getting)if you're willing to give a 2nd to the Chargers?

This is a deep CB draft in the 1st two rounds.

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Hyperrevue's picture

February 17, 2010 at 10:44 am

At 25, I don't think you can say Cromartie is at his ceiling already.

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CSS's picture

February 17, 2010 at 10:53 am

You have three (3) years of NFL film on the guy, I would argue you're looking at his ceiling. He hasn't progressed since his pro-bowl year. He has a ACL knee reconstruction and broken hip on his injury resume. I don't believe you look linearly at his age and say a guy progressed more as he ages. What you see on film the prior two (2) years with Cromartie is what you get.

Why would the Chargers float him as trade bait if he has yet to realize his potential implying he could be better than his pro-bowl season?

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CSS's picture

February 17, 2010 at 11:10 am

Love him in coverage, but here's what I see when Cromartie tries to tackle:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Na4cE3m2Gwo

Cheers!

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PackerAaron's picture

February 17, 2010 at 11:16 am

CSS - that's why I like him in a reserve role.

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hyperRevue's picture

February 17, 2010 at 11:12 am

I just don't think 3 years is enough time to write the book on a guy. Hell, Woodson is having a career renaissance in his mid-30s. Players mature and blossom at different paces. Sure, 3 years is a not-insignificant sample size, but to say there is no possibility for improvement (especially under the guidance of vets like Woodson and Harris) is not really fair.

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haha! Oof. Not pretty. But I'd argue that tackling ability is probably an easier skill to pick up than pass coverage.

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WWR's picture

February 17, 2010 at 11:15 am

Lets be real though, Harris and Woodson arent getting an younger, we need depth at the CB position and what we have behind them arent going to cut it for the future, by getting Cromartie who is a playmaker on the team would help the Pack out ALOT

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CSS's picture

February 17, 2010 at 11:25 am

Aaron - I agree with what you're saying but I would love to be a fly on the wall to hear the internal debate about cost-to-benefit of the transaction when comparing the asking price against how the CB's on your draft board are stacked.

Last thing - the articles coming out of San Diego all state this is AJ Smith (Chargers GM) purging the roster of 'divas', including Cromartie. I take it with a grain of salt considering the reputation Woodson had, how cynical I was at the time, and how it's worked out for both Woodson and the Packers. Take each case individually, but if the price is right.......

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hyperRevue's picture

February 17, 2010 at 02:33 pm

What would you be willing to give up for a nickel/dime back, Aaron?

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PackerAaron's picture

February 17, 2010 at 02:58 pm

Hyper - to be clear, a nickel back with the potential to start once Harris and Woodson have moved on. I think Grant for AC and a low round pick from the Chargers would get it done.

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Asshalo's picture

February 17, 2010 at 02:34 pm

I like the idea of AC in a Packer uniform. Regardless of what week he would be able to play, this is somewhat of a long-term solution (2-3 yrs left on his contract?) to our aging corners. I trust the scouts to evaluate the implications this injury will have on his career. If they would part with him for a 2nd rounder I am all for it. First rounder (or something in addition to a 2nd rounder) might be pushing it.

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Dilligaff's picture

February 17, 2010 at 02:35 pm

Isn't Cromartie the defensive back in the playoff game against the Jets flat out give up on a couple of obvious plays that make Bush look good. Correct me if I am wrong.

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M orli's picture

February 17, 2010 at 02:37 pm

I want some expertise on a other trade theory: Jason LaCanfora, the guy that NFL.com wants to be the new Adam Schefter, reported today, that the Buccs are about the place the highest tender(1st and 3rd and 2.5 million) on Donald Penn, their 26-year old LT, and have stalled their contract negotiations. So, shell we give it a try? I mean, a first and a third is not that much for a rock solid LT, who has the experience, something a rookie at #23 does not at all promise, or if you want to trade up you have to give up picks anyway. I mena, if we are willing to go for Penn, nothing is guaranteed, but I like the idea.

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hyperRevue's picture

February 17, 2010 at 03:01 pm

I gotcha. And I agree.

If they were to move Grant, maybe they'd make a move for Chester Taylor.

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retiredgrampa's picture

February 17, 2010 at 03:36 pm

No matter what TT offers, there will be several other better offers to SD by GMs with more desperation. TT will NOT up his offer and that's the right approach. If there was a lack of good DBs in the draft, it might be different. But a 1st for a nickel or dime back is way too much, since it's even money that he'll not get better.

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Dilligaff's picture

February 17, 2010 at 03:52 pm

The advantage Grant has on Taylor is age.

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jerseypackfan's picture

February 17, 2010 at 04:01 pm

The Buc`s are asking that much for Donald Penn? That is their best FA right?

As for Cromartie...I`d give up a 4th round pick. That is about it. He is not worth anything higher.

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hyperRevue's picture

February 17, 2010 at 04:07 pm

True, Dilligaff. But Taylor has relatively few miles on those legs (just 350 carries the last 3 years, and only 1 season over 300 carries - 303 in 2006). At least that's what the conventional wisdom is. Career YPC of 4.3 (though just 3.6 last year on 90 carries). I'd sign him to a 3 year deal, maybe 4. And signing him has the added benefit of hurting the Vikings.

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I wonder if the Packers will look into prying away one of the Saints two LTs.

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PACKERS.'s picture

February 17, 2010 at 04:13 pm

I would like to see Cromartie added, but I don't think there's much of a chance. Thompson would never go after a free agent like him. The Packers will hopefully add depth, but it will probably be through the draft.

Go Pack Go!

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Pack Fan In Enemy Territory's picture

February 17, 2010 at 05:39 pm

Not going to happen. He isn't Packer People. Ted won't want to give up what is needed for a player with questionable character. NEXT!
____________
OJ ATOGWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
STEPHEN NEALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!... The guy that beat Brock Lesner for the NCAA heavyweight title back in the day.

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Nypacker's picture

February 17, 2010 at 07:04 pm

Mrorli is right on the money, i believe giving up draft picks for an o-lineman right now than cb. I would love for us to get donald penn right now since this draft is loaded at corner so we could always pick one up in the 2nd.

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Andrew In Atlanta's picture

February 17, 2010 at 07:04 pm

I think CSS has it right...if the price is right. Enter TT. So, it's interesting, but I won't lose sleep given the liklihood.

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nerdmann's picture

February 17, 2010 at 08:08 pm

We've got basically FOUR RBs who are almost clones of each other. Five if you count Green. There is no way we could possibly keep all these guys on the roster. Might as well get something for them. I don't think we lose anything if Bjack has to start in the event of Grant being traded. Lumpy won't be eligible for the practice squad again next year, iirc. What do we do with all these guys? I say let San Diego have their pick. Let them take two, plus Hawk and we'll take Cromartie and Merriman.

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Pack Fan In Enemy Territory's picture

February 17, 2010 at 08:13 pm

Did I just read that the Packers have 4 RBs that are almost clones of each other? Ryan Grant is NOTHING like Jackson, Green, or Lumpkin. What games are you watching?

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PackerAaron's picture

February 17, 2010 at 08:31 pm

Pack Fan - while I'll agree that 'clones' is a bit much, nerdman is right in that they are all one-cut guys who do well if things are blocked well but who all have little to no shake-and-bake to make things happen on their own.

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PACKERS.'s picture

February 17, 2010 at 09:53 pm

Sorry, off-topic comment.

Mr. Nagler, I just created an acount on your fan forum, and I've noticed that there's really not much going on there. Maybe we should try to kind of get it going again, just because it's probably one of the coolest Packed sites out there, what with all the details and personal messaging and chat and all the other awesome things on it. Just MHO

Go Pack Go!

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nerdmann's picture

February 17, 2010 at 10:29 pm

They are all NOT speedy and all can barely catch the ball. Good power guys. Between the tackles, pick up the blitz. Thunder, no lightening.

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ppabich's picture

February 18, 2010 at 12:19 am

DON'T DO IT!!!!!! I lived in San Diego for the last 4 years and Cro is a terrable cornerback. I wouldn't trade a fourth rounder for him. I always joked that he got all those int's a couple of years ago because the chargers pass rush was so good that cromartie being out of position put him in position for all the poor throws.

the guys an athlete but he's a total head case (he threw a champaign bottle at some kids head at a bar a couple months back) can't tackle and is never in position.

Ask any charger fan, they would be thrilled to get a third round pick for cromartie. Lets use ours on a corner we can develope.

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Pack Fan In Enemy Territory's picture

February 18, 2010 at 12:24 am

Ryan Grant is not as creative runner as Green or Jackson. He is perfect for the 1 cut system as so far
that's pretty much all he has shown to be able to do. Grant isn't as good of a receiver as Green & Jackson, but they CAN catch & Grant DID have some big catches in the playoff game. One of which that was in OT that would have lead to huge 1st down had Colledge not been called for holding. I'm certain that they can catch, but Rodgers rarely checked down so we rarely got to see it unless it was a screen, which we also rarely saw. So to say that they 'can barely catch' is beyond ignorant IMO. They may not have the blazing speed but they aren't clones of each other in the least bit IMO.
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Grant seems to have decided to work on his flexibility this off season & I've read reports that he will be used more in the passing game next year, so lets collectively hope that he can show that HE IS the all around back that we want him to be. He has been pretty successful as solely a runner as a starter, so all he needs to do is be able to become a threat out of the backfield just a little bit & this offense will completely unpredictable & IMO almost unstoppable.

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BlackHawk's picture

February 18, 2010 at 12:47 am

WHATEVER TT, decides to do in this year....with the draft, FA,....is soon to be seen. Take this to the bank.....thru the draft.and a key FA here and there..he will bring GB a CHAMPIONSHIP within the next 3 years!!!

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Dilligaff's picture

February 18, 2010 at 09:04 am

Even at the right price this guy has some character issues. He has 7 kids at the age of 25 in 6 different states. Already is behind in child support. Not sure how this kind of personality would work in the Packers locker room. I understand being young and making a mistake, but by the 4th time hello.

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hyperRevue's picture

February 18, 2010 at 10:02 am

Totally agree, Dilligaff. And maybe I'm being naive about the nature of football locker room, but I feel like Cromartie could really flourish and mature alongside Charles Woodson, who had his own baggage and attitude issues when he first came into the league.

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These sort of issues coming to light can only drive his price down, which is all the better for the Packers, if interested.

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hyperRevue's picture

February 18, 2010 at 10:42 am

Obviously not making excuses for Cromartie's personal shortcomings (no one is responsible for them but himself), but from a football perspective, I really don't see much veteran leadership on the Chargers roster, especially on defense. Quentin Jammer and Alfonso Boone are the elder-statesmen of that unit, and I don't think it's a stretch to say that neither of them really have the presence of a Charles Woodson of Al Harris. At least from a personal standpoint, I'd be willing to take a chance on Woodson and Harris being able to whip some sense into him. Again, maybe I'm naive.

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ppabich's picture

February 18, 2010 at 11:01 am

One thing to remember is that cormartie is NOT a good football player. And he's dumb as a rock. seriously, if you can get him for a fourth round pick then fine, but hes not worth a second or third to me.

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Dilligaff's picture

February 18, 2010 at 02:21 pm

I think this whole thing with the Chargers is a last ditch effort to either get something for him or give him a wake up call hoping to motivate him.

I would only take the risk after a long interview in which he showed me something and I only had to give up a 6th round pick for this gamble.

This guy will do nothing for special teams and looks to be only a nickle corner.

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IPBprez's picture

February 19, 2010 at 03:44 am

My opinion is - that IF Cromartie is out there, then it's more likely that Jerry Jones will take a swipe at him - especially since this is a No Salary cap season. THE BIG THREE (with money) will jump in there and see how it plays out - they have no other thrill-seeking at their age(s).
TT will stay within his depth and keep the Pack righteous when it comes to funding... we at least have that anti-Mike Sherman attitude giong for us.

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Nypacker's picture

February 19, 2010 at 08:03 am

IPBprez that is exactly why I believe that cromartie won't be on our team. TT will be outbid in a 85% chance matter.

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WoodyG's picture

February 21, 2010 at 05:32 am

Trade your starting RB for a nickel or dime DB??? ..... Absurd ...... Here's why the Chargers would like to cut their losses by dumping Cromartie ........
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" When the Chargers have been beaten for big plays in the passing game, chances are, you'd find Antonio Cromartie somewhere in the area with a "what happened?" look on his face. "

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