Will Chicago Bears Be Interested in Antonio Cromartie If He is Cut?
Published by Brian Rosta on June 15, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
The New York Jets made a big splash in free agency last year by pairing Antonio Cromartie with Darrelle Revis to form what was considered the best CB tandem in the league. Cromartie has been average at best, often being picked on as Revis shut down the opposite receiver. The New York Jets are not expected to be able to afford Cromartie as they have a slew of young CBs in their system ready to take over at a cheaper price.
Cromartie will be one of the premier CBs in free agency and many teams will come calling. Cromartie is rumored to prefer teams in his native Florida, but will definitely follow the money.
Enter the Chicago Bears.
Charles “Peanut” Tillman is signed through 2013, and is a steady player who has a knack for causing fumbles and making big plays. He has stayed relatively injury-free, but will need to maintain consistency as the Bears‘ backfield is very young and inexperienced.
Tim Jennings is a free agent, but the team is expected to resign him. He is shorter (5’9) than most receivers he covers, and would be an ideal third corner and nickle back if the Bears could sign a No. 1 or No. 2 corner to pair with Tillman.
Zackary Bowman was announced as a starter last year, got burned on a few plays, and never saw the field again. He is a free agent and not expected to be signed.
The Bears play in a conference with two dome teams and Aaron Rodgers. They need to have enough weapons on defense to be able to match up against the best receivers in the league. Lovie Smith‘s system requires defensive backs to be intelligent and cover areas rather than players when in the cover-2 scheme.
Cromartie has proven to be a player that excels in space, rather than assigned to cover specific receivers. His aggressive style and physical nature would be a welcome upgrade to a Bears defense that is solid, but aging.
The Bears won’t go on a free agent frenzy like they did last offseason, but don’t be surprised if they make a splash or two in the secondary.
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