Antonio Cromartie wants to retire as a member of the New York Jets and is willing to restructure his contract to stay with the team, but his future with the football club is still in doubt.
Cromartie said Thursday that he wants to do everything he can to remain in a green and white uniform after his contract runs out--including by taking a pay cut.
"This is where I want to retire," the cornerback said, according to the New York Daily News.
Cromartie, 29, has one year remaining on his deal and is due a $5 million bonus in March, making his future with New York cloudy.
Cromartie's success in 2012 made him a favorite of coach Rex Ryan--whose future is also in doubt--but he hasn't played as strong in 2013, leading to the secondary's lackluster play being a key reason why the Jets (7-8) will miss the playoffs for the third straight season.
Cromartie's success in 2012 led to the Jets being confident in trading cornerback Darrelle Revis to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last offseason.
According to NFL.com, Pro Football Focus has ranked Cromartie 104th out of 110 cornerbacks in the league after he ranked 16th in 2012. Cromartie has struggled on deep balls this season due to knee and hip injuries hampering him. Cromartie may need hip surgery in the offseason.
Dee Milliner has been the other corner for the Jets this season and the rookie has had his fair of struggles. Despite his sluggish 2013, the Jets still opted to go with Milliner over Cromartie to cover the Cleveland Browns' Josh Gordon in a game that the Jets ultimately won. Milliner held his own in the game, but it is anyone's guess whether or not the move was a show of confidence in Milliner or a lack of it in Cromartie.
The Jets wrap up their season in Miami against the Dolphins on Sunday.
The Jets will undoubtedly stick with Milliner as they drafted him at No.9 in the last NFL Draft, but their commitment to Cromartie remains to be seen.
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