Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie announced his retirement in a Tuesday morning Instagram post, effectively ending his Raiders tenure a few months after it began.
The veteran cornerback had an excellent career with five different teams, and helped win a Super Bowl with the New York Giants. He decided to cut his 11th NFL season short, following erratic playing time where he was a full-time starter one week and not used on defense the next for a 1-6 Raiders team.
The Raiders have rotated defensive players trying to find the right mix, and Rodgers-Cromartie was on the back end of that rotation. He signed with the Raiders on Aug. 22, late in the preseason after waiting to find the right team. The Giants released him in March after requesting he take a pay cut.
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Here’s an excerpt from Rodgers-Cromartie’s Instagram post: “Today i retire, today my nfl journey ends, and i thank god for keep me all these years. A kid with one kid and no college offers lasted 11 years in the NFL. I played in Super Bowls, pro bowls, n did many more in this leauge. I’m at peace with my decision. Y’all may not understand and that’s kool!!! I wanna thank everyone for their support.”
Here’s his full Instagram post:
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpj-Rz_F_fG/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1jd7q6okncf1e
This can be taken as another side of veteran frustration with the Raiders' season, especially after key pieces were traded away since Sept. 1. The Silver and Black have struggled to compete, and it’s clear coach Jon Gruden is in a full-on rebuild that many veterans signed to short-term contracts won’t be a part of.
NFL
The NFL trade deadline is coming up at 1 p.m. PT on Tuesday, and there likely will be a few veterans who hope to be shipped out before rosters are further locked down.
Rodgers-Cromartie played well when given the opportunity, but he didn’t fit the Raiders preference of going younger at cornerback and every other position.