Should Chargers sign CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie?

The Chargers have reportedly shown interest in cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Does it make sense for the Chargers to sign him?

The Chargers lost Pro Bowl corner Jason Verrett to a torn Achilles at the start of training camp. Verrett, who was entering the final year of his rookie contract, was expected to start opposite Casey Hayward.

It’s unfortunate news. But as much as it stings losing one of your more talented players, the Chargers have fared well without Verrett, who will now miss a total of 55 games in four years. Their secondary is one of the deepest in the league. Hayward, who was acquired in free agency two years ago, is arguably the top corner in the league right now, and 2016 undrafted rookie Trevor Williams and 2017 fifth-rounder Desmond King shined last season, too. All three players ranked inside the top 15 at their position, according to Pro Football Focus standards.

But apparently, the Chargers still feel like they need to add more depth at corner. According to NFL’s Ian Rapoport, L.A. has shown interest in former Giants CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

One name to keep an eye on: Former #Giants CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. The free agent is receiving the most interest from the #Seahawks, but the #Chargers are in the mix as well, given their recent CB injury.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 30, 2018

Rodgers-Cromartie has played for four different teams since being drafted in the first round in 2008. He has spent the last four seasons with the Giants after signing a five-year, $35 million deal in 2014. He became a cap casualty this offseason, as the Giants were able to clear $6.5 million in cap space by releasing him.

Rodgers-Cromartie may be 32 years old, but he’s been a solid corner for New York and his addition would make any team better. Last season, he allowed the third-fewest yards per reception among all CBs, as noted by PFF. The year before, he picked off six passes, which matched a career high, and batted down 21 balls. Overall, he’s a playmaker who has 439 combined tackles, 145 pass deflections, 30 interceptions and six pick-sixes to his name.

The Chargers are stacked at corner, but Verrett’s injury definitely put a little fear in the coaches’ eyes. Rodgers-Cromartie would bring valuable experience to a defense that’s very young. He’d also bring some height (6-2), and you know defensive coordinator Gus Bradley loves those taller corners. Not only that, but Rodgers-Cromartie has been an extremely durable player who has missed just seven games in 10 seasons.

The price has to be right, but it can’t hurt adding more corners, especially in a pass-happy league.