The New York Jets have plenty of holes to fill after a four-win 2014 cost head coach Rex Ryan and general manager John Idzik their jobs. The new head coach is Todd Bowles, and one thing he shares in common with Ryan is an affinity for top cornerbacks on his defense.
Last season the Jets' cornerback woes were borderline comical, especially once second-year CB Dee Milliner was lost for the season due to injury. This offseason corner is a priority, and the Jets may lean on free agency to acquire one so they can lessen the learning curve that Milliner is battling through.
At the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, rumors swirled that the Jets and Philadelphia Eagles will duke it out for Seahawks cornerback Byron Maxwell, the top CB in free agency. Maxwell was tested often last season playing opposite of All-Pro corner Richard Sherman, and he finished with 2014 with two interceptions and 13 pass defenses in 13 games.
The Jets could also choose to bring back a face not only familiar to the Gang Green faithful, but also Bowles. Antonio Cromartie is on the open market this year and wants nothing more than to reunite with the Jets. He was Arizona's No. 2 corner last season opposite Patrick Peterson-Bowles coached that defense.
"My door is always open to returning," Cromartie said last month of coming back to MetLife Stadium. "Everybody knows I didn't want to leave. I'm going to keep my door open and see what happens."
Cromartie made all 16 starts last season and picked off three passes. It was his sixth straight season with at least three interceptions.
The Jets have a lot of cap room, so it's conceivable that they may bring in both Maxwell and Cromartie to help mentor Milliner, or play in his stead if he doesn't show improvement. Whichever direction they go, moves will be made in some fashion to address the position.
"Todd likes to play Cover 1 all day long," one NFL coach said. "That's straight-up man-press. He better find some corners quick if he wants to do that."
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