Jets release cornerback Antonio Cromartie in salary-cap move

The New York Jets released cornerback Antonio Cromartie on Sunday, a decision that saves the team millions of dollars under its salary cap.

Cromartie was entering the final year of his four-year deal and was scheduled to cost the Jets’ cap $14.98 million this season — including a $5 million roster bonus that would kick in later this month. There’s a chance the Jets could bring back Cromartie at a lesser salary, unless the two-time Pro Bowl selection chooses to explore free agency.

The 29-year-old Cromartie is coming off perhaps his worst season as he struggled with a hip ailment for most of the year while continuing to play as the Jets’ No. 1 cornerback.

“I just had a bad year,” he said during an interview with NBC Sports Network in January. “That falls heavily on me and no one else.”

New York could be in the market for a cornerback if the Jets don’t re-sign Cromartie because they have just Dee Milliner, the team’s top pick last year who struggled through an up-and-down season, and Kyle Wilson, their 2010 first-rounder who has played in more of a nickel back role.

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Two people with direct knowledge of the deal tell the Associated Press that Minnesota defensive end Everson Griffen has agreed to terms on a five-year contract to stay with the team.

The people spoke to the AP on Sunday on condition of anonymity because the Vikings haven’t announced the deal.

The NFL free agent signing period starts on Tuesday. Griffen’s contract is worth up to $42.5 million and he’s guaranteed $20 million, the people with knowledge of the deal said.

The Vikings also agreed on a one-year contract with middle linebacker Jasper Brinkley, according to another person with direct knowledge of that deal. That person also spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the Vikings haven’t confirmed the agreement. Brinkley played for the Arizona Cardinals last season.