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Chargers, Lions discussing trade to send Cromartie to Detroit

By Jason La Canfora | NFL.com

The Detroit Lions have been in discussions with the San Diego Chargers about acquiring cornerback Antonio Cromartie in a trade, a league source said Sunday.

The Chargers have been shopping Cromartie, who starred for them a few seasons back but has fallen out of favor. There was little interest around the NFL, but the Lions are intrigued and have been in contact with the Chargers.

The former Pro Bowl cornerback told SIRIUS NFL Radio hosts Bryan McGovern and Jim Miller on Monday that he wasn't thrilled with the way the Chargers play defense and it could be time for a change.

"It may be time to move on," Cromartie said. "I have complained to the coaches about certain stuff, about the way we play, and they know that. But if it's time to part ways and that's in the Lord's will, then that's what's got to happen. But I would love to continue to finish out either my contract or my career in San Diego."

Cromartie, a first-round draft pick by the Chargers in 2006, posted an NFL-high 10 interceptions in 2007, but he has just five since.

If traded, Cromartie would join running back LaDainian Tomlinson, who was released Monday, in leaving San Diego. The Chargers also plan to let Darren Sproles test free agency.

"I think they're going to make moves this year, especially for guys that are going to be expecting big contracts and things like that coming up," Cromartie said. "If that's what they want to do, especially with the trade rumors that I'm hearing, that's part of the business, that's how it goes. If I'm there next year, I'm going to play to the best of my ability. If I'm not, I got to play somewhere else and help that organization out the best way I can."

No trades can become official until the start of the league year, March 5.

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