Report: Jets Release Cornerback Antonio Cromartie

With the glut of good talent that is set to officially set the open NFL free agent market on Tuesday, more big-name players are being added to the group at the last-minute. As teams gear up to sign new talent, they also are attempting to get more space by high-priced veterans. The New York Jets have done the latter on Sunday.

Per multiple reports, including tweets from his personal twitter account, the Jets have released veteran cornerback Antonio Cromartie. He spent four years with Gang Green after four years with the San Diego Chargers. He is a three-time Pro Bowler and actually made the squad last year, but his hefty price tag made him expendable in the club's eyes. According to Manish Mehta of The New York Daily News, Cromartie was set to make $15 million this season and the move saves $9.5 million in cap space.

From a Bengals perspective, Cromartie fits in a sense that he is a veteran corner, has had recent success and could come at a somewhat cheap price. However, Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis has preferred his corners to be physical in recent years and Cromartie doesn't exactly have the reputation of a willing tackler. It might be a moot point regardless, as Mehta points out that the Jets could re-sign him at a cheaper salary.

Cromartie is able to sign with a team immediately, if he so chooses. He might be waiting until after the Tuesday true kick-off to free agency to see what the market dictated fro corners.