The Indianapolis Colts have signed veteran cornerback Antonio Cromartie to help lessen the loss of starting cornerback Vontae Davis, who’s dealing with an ankle injury that could cost him at least the first month of the upcoming regular season:
The #Colts have agreed to terms with veteran CB Antonio Cromartie. With Vontae Davis on the shelf, Cro helps them some.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 23, 2016
Why Indy signed Antonio Cromartie: CB Vontae Davis has ligament damage in ankle, expected to miss at least first month of season, per source
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 23, 2016
The 32 year old signed a 1-year deal with Indianapolis, having worked out for the team on Monday. He’s coming off a season with the New York Jets in which he made 19 tackles and 12 passes defensed in 15 starts.
While Cromartie has been dealing with a lingering hip injury, the Colts apparently felt comfortable enough with his physical to bring him on board.
It’s worth noting that Cromartie struggled in his return with the Jets last season. Specifically, per Pro Football Focus (subscription), Cromartie received a 46.5 overall grade, which ranked him as only the 87th best cornerback among all 111 qualifiers.
Still, with Davis down, the Colts could use a cornerback with starting experience and Cromartie has a ton of it with 133 career starts. Not to mention, the 10-year veteran was once one of the best man coverage cornerbacks in football, which should fit defensive coordinator Ted Monachino‘s new scheme nicely.
Originally a 2006 first round pick of the San Diego Chargers, Cromartie has been one of the best cornerbacks in football as a 1st-Team All-Pro and 4x Pro Bowler. While he’s not the shutdown cornerback of his younger years anymore–this interception against Peyton Manning still haunts my dreams, he still remains a very good athlete when healthy at the position.
He could have a bounceback season with the Colts, and if nothing else, gives the Colts a proven veteran cornerback to start in Davis’ absence and additional depth at the position.