The Jets on Monday cut cornerback Antonio Cromartie, but maybe we haven't seen the last of him in Florham Park.

Cromartie's release saved the Jets $8 million in salary cap room for 2016, with no dead money figure attached, because Cromartie had no more guaranteed money left in his contract.

Would the Jets be willing to re-sign Cromartie to a lower-priced contract for 2016? That's not clear yet.

But if that option comes up, Cromartie is expected to be willing to take less money to return, because he loves the Jets organization and coach Todd Bowles, according to a league source.

The source spoke to NJ Advance Media on a condition of anonymity, while also noting it's still early in this process, and it's not clear what the Jets want to do with the starting cornerback spot opposite Darrelle Revis.

Cromartie, who turns 32 in April and just finished his 10th NFL season, initially played for the Jets from 2010-13. They cut him after 2013, saving $9.5 million in cap space.

He spent 2014 in Arizona, where his defensive coordinator was Bowles. The Jets re-signed Cromartie last offseason, while hiring Bowles as their head coach.

Cromartie signed a four-year, $32 million contract with the Jets, but all of the guaranteed money ($7 million) was in Year 1. So it was essentially a one-year contract that gave the Jets an easy way out after 2015. (Cromartie was due to make $8 million in 2016, $8 million in 2017, and $9 million in 2018.)

After rejoining the Jets last offseason, Cromartie spoke openly about his fondness for the organization and northern New Jersey, which he has made his home. Those emotions haven't changed for Cromartie, despite his release.

Then again, Cromartie is going on 32 and coming off a less-than-spectacular season. So it's not like he's going to make $8 million next year anyway. If he wants to continue playing, he'll probably have to settle for a modest contract wherever he winds up in 2016 -- with the Jets or elsewhere.

Darryl Slater may be reached at dslater@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DarrylSlater. Find NJ.com Jets on Facebook.