Two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie hasn’t played since he appeared in two games with the Washington Football Team in the fall of 2019 before he suffered a torn ligament in his ankle, and he turned 35 years old earlier this month. Nevertheless, the veteran is contemplating one final run as an active player, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (h/t Nick Shook).
Former NFL running back Eddie George recently took over as head coach of Tennessee State’s football program and could appoint Rodgers-Cromartie, a Tennessee State alum, to his staff. Rapoport adds that Rodgers-Cromartie is prepared to accept such an offer but only after he completes post-draft workouts in an attempt to extend his playing career.
Injuries and age aren’t all that are working against Rodgers-Cromartie and others like him this spring. The NFL salary cap dropped by nearly $16 million for 2021 due to financial hits taken throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and general managers may feel they can replicate whatever Rodgers-Cromartie could offer on the field this fall via a younger and cheaper option.
It’s also worth noting that history suggests veterans such as Rodgers-Cromartie have to wait until players already on rosters go down to injuries during training camp sessions and preseason games before they receive even team workouts, let alone contract offers. Waiting may not be an option, however, if he has to make a final decision on coaching for the 2021 college season by or near the end of July.
