Cromarti?... Nice Try!

So I admit I am a bit emotionally disturbed. To fast a start for you huh? All right, I will ease into this a little slower then.

Antonio Cromartie, who is an absolutely brilliant cornerback was placed on the trading block by Chargers GM A.J. Smith. My first reaction was OHMYGOD!OHMYGOD!OHMYGOD!OHMYGOD! (SQUEEEEEEEEEEEAL) ALL HE WANTS IS A FIRST ROUND PICK!! But before you petition your favorite franchise to sell their soul for a shutdown corner via blockbuster trade lets consider the source.

A. J. Smith is a Gm who has a pretty solid track record, not to say that he has been perfect, but I would argue he rivals the best personel guys in the league. My proof? He drafted Eli Manning, then traded him for what would end up being Phillip Rivers, Shawne Merriman and Nate Keading, all of which have made Pro-Bowl appearences. He kicked Marty Shottenhiemer out the door (hey, I like the guy to, but lets be objective for once) to bring in Norv Turner who has not had a great deal more success but certainly has not had any less. He drafted Cromartie in spite of Cromartie having not played football the previous year due to injury. Then Cromartie turned around and had a pro-bowl season in 2007.

A.J. Smith knows how to stock a franchise with the best talent available, to me that says that there must be a serious long term health issue with Cromartie. I doubt it is the knee that needed reconstructed after his college career, rather it is probably the hip he broke in 2008 that has never fully healed. In my mind if A.J. Smith is willing to part with Cromartie, he is off my list of trade worthy players, at least at the price that A.J. is asking and someone will inevitably pay.