Jets CB Antonio Cromartie was initially an alternate in this year’s Pro Bowl. Cro was then changed from an alternate to replace Patriots CB Aqib Talib who is out with a knee injury.
Talib’s injury happened on a collision with Broncos WR Wes Welker in the AFC Championship game on Sunday. A collision that head coach of the Patriots Bill Belichick calls a “deliberate play by the receiver.”
Antonio Cromartie said that he understands that his cap charge will be a problem, along with the recent knee injury and play. Cro had a total of 38 tackles, 1 forced fumble and three interceptions this past season that may make the Jets let him test free agency. Not he has a skyrocketing, 14.98M cap charge in 2014, along with a $5M roster bonus scheduled to be due in March which could be another reason the Jets can use to release the veteran CB.
“At the end of the day, I want to be a Jet, I would love to retire as a Jet but it is about business.” Antonio said on Pro Football Talk. “My cap number is high, I had one of my worst years ever, I was banged up all season but that’s not an excuse.”
Jets C Nick Mangold will appear in his fifth Pro Bowl in eight seasons with the team. Mangold will be playing in Hawaii because of Seahawks’ C Mike Unger who will face the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl one week from Sunday.
Jets confirmed the news, Sunday night.
Mangold has started and played all 126 regular-season games since joining the Jets.
Nick Mangold and Cromartie will both be on Team Rice. (Jerry Rice)
