NFL Rumors: Indianapolis Colts, Antonio Cromartie Agree On Contract

Veterans in the NFL know that injuries will often times create job opportunities before the regular season starts. According to the Big News Network, the Indianapolis Colts are signing Antonio Cromartie. With injuries at the position, management desperately needed healthy bodies at the cornerback position to get through the preseason.

Antonio Cromartie is 32 years old. That puts him closer to the tail end of his NFL career than the beginning. The 6-foot-2, 210 pound defensive back is aware that he is not going to be a first option for teams in the National Football League any more. Cromartie has accepted his role.

Fortunately for Antonio Cromartie, he was able to build himself a very nice resume in the NFL. That enables him to still remain relevant when training camp is going on. Being a four time Pro Bowler enables Cromartie to keep his name on backup lists kept by various general managers and executives.

Former Pro Bowler Antonio Cromartie signs with injury-riddled #Colts. https://t.co/nKe03b4azL

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) August 23, 2016

Injuries have decimated the Indianapolis Colts secondary. Vontae Davis and Patrick Robinson were slated to be the starting corner backs. The former has a knee injury, while the latter has issues with his groin. Darius Butler and D’Joun Smith are the backups, but they’re also dealing with injuries as well.

Interestingly enough, Antonio Cromartie might have some injury issues himself. The Florida native has been dealing with hip issues over the past year. Obviously, the Indianapolis Colts will have their medical personnel do all the requisite tests to make sure that Cromartie is healthy enough to contribute.

The need for a solid secondary is even more important because the pass rush for the Indianapolis Colts do not have a great pass rush. If the front seven cannot get to the quarterback quickly, then the corner backs and safeties could be exposed on a really frequent basis.

Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano built his resume by being one of the more brilliant defensive minds in the NFL when he was an assistant with the Baltimore Ravens. However, there is only so much scheming that a coach can do when there is a severe lack of talent on the roster.

The last contract that Antonio Cromartie signed was with the New York Jets, as reported by ESPN. It was worth approximately $32 million. His contract with the Indianapolis Colts is a whole lot less. In fact, Cromartie is only signed with the Colts for a season. It is also unlikely that there is a lot of guaranteed money involved.

When the Indianapolis Colts locked down Chuck Pagano and general manager Ryan Grigson, many praised team owner Jim Irsay for keeping continuity. However, with all the holes on the roster right now, it could be a very difficult season for the Colts. There’s a lot of work that needs to be done.

The biggest problem for the Indianapolis Colts is keeping franchise quarterback Andrew Luck on the field. Chuck Pagano has already gone on record as saying that Luck needs to stop thinking like a linebacker so that he can stay healthy enough to avoid injuries.

To avoid further injuries to Andrew Luck, the Indianapolis Colts are making major changes to their offense, as reported by ESPN. The transition would be a whole lot easier if the defense was able to protect leads and make life easier on their teammates. Luck does not have that luxury right now.

Antonio Cromartie is not going to be the savior for the Indianapolis Colts. There is even a chance that he might not even be on the roster when the regular season starts. However, it is an interesting story to follow because fans want to see drama.

[Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images]