Antonio Cromartie needs to become a Tennessee Titan.

http://football.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/15977/20100222/are_chargers_titans_potential_trade_partners/

Chargers cornerback Antonio Cromartie has been put on the trading block and are looking to acquire a runningback for him. Lately there has been whispers that the Tennessee Titans are possibly San Diego's dancing partner in the deal, as they have dangled restricted free agent runningback LenDale White for teams following the emergence of Chris Johnson.

This deal needs to happen...ASAP.

First of all, I'll be one of the first to tell you that Cromartie is an overrated player. He has a ton of athletic ability but is partial to contact and isn't an outstanding cover guy. He relies more on making a spectacular interception than just batting the ball down. However, he has had great success against Peyton Manning in his career and playing against him twice a year can really help the Titans' chances of overtaking them in the division.

Another reason why this trade needs to happen; it makes sense for both parties. The acquisition of Cromartie allows him to slide into the second cornerback slot and makes Nick Harper expendable. Harper had one of the worst years I've ever seen a cornerback have and at 34 years old, he simply doesn't have the ability to start for many teams any more. When you face a quarterback as good as Manning and a receiver as good as Andre Johnson twice a year, you simply need more than one good cornerback.

For the Chargers, following the release of LaDainian Tomlinson, they are looking for a younger runningback to fill his place. They have a talented small back in Darren Sproles, but at 5'6" he can not carry the full load. LenDale has starting experience and is the perfect complement to Sproles' quickness. This also closes a need in the draft and it can help them target a defensive lineman to help their awful rushing defense from last season.

A secondary of Cortland Finnegan, Antonio Cromartie, Michael Griffin and Chris Hope possesses a lot of talent and could scare many teams. If the trade does go down, then a defensive lineman such as Brandon Graham or Everson Griffen or a linebacker like Ronaldo McClain or Brandon Spikes should be announced as the Titans' first-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.

These two moves could shore up the Titans' defense just enough to make them a legitimate contender for a Wild Card spot next season. The offense is just fine right now; it's the defense holding them back from their full potential.