New Orleans Saints Should Kick the Tires on CB Antonio Cromartie

After veteran CB Antonio Cromartie was released by the Indianapolis Colts this week, there was much talk on the Twitterverse about whether or not the New Orleans Saints should look into signing the former first-rounder and four-time Pro Bowler.

Should the New Orleans Saints take a look at Cromartie? Sure. But maybe more of a glance.

Cromartie played surprisingly well for the Indianapolis Colts all things considered. He was signed in late August off the street and had to learn a new playbook, but he seemed passable in coverage. Then, after a Brandon Browner-esque performance against Allen Robinson and the Jacksonville Jaguars in London (where he gave up numerous big receptions, a touchdown, and a couple of penalties), he was benched in the second half of the game. His release after the game came as little surprise.

Cromartie is 32 years old and has played for four NFL teams in the last four years. It’s possible he just had a bad game against one of the better young receivers in the NFL last week. It’s also possible that Father Time is catching up to the talented cornerback and he doesn’t have anything left to give to an NFL team with playoff dreams this season.

It’s also unknown if the release of Cromartie was done more of a “Send a Message” type of move to the rest of the locker room or even if Cromartie is dealing with some sort of injury that led to his second half benching.

The Cornerback situation for the Saints has not been quite the dumpster fire many expected after the losses of Delvin Breaux and P.J. Williams. The play of players like Ken Crawley could be a mirage, or it could be sustainable. In any case, the New Orleans Saints would be smart to at least check in on the veteran. After the extension of QB Drew Brees, the Saints should have a little financial wiggle room to make additions this season if needed, and heading into the Bye week, the might be the perfect time to bring in new players.