According to ESPN.com's Mike Reiss, the deal could fill a significant need for each team next season.
The Chargers are shopping Cromartie in the hopes of landing a running back, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports. The veteran posted 10 interceptions three years ago with San Diego, but has posted five interceptions in two combined seasons since.
Maroney has followed a similar career path. He averaged 4.5 yards per carry in 2007, but has averaged less than four yards a rush in each of the last two years.
Both players could use a change of scenery, and each would fill a need with the other team.
Cromartie would give the Patriots an athletic cornerback in their secondary while also giving the team the ability to pass on re-signing Leigh Bodden.
The move would change the Patriots offense, but the team could utilize a running-back-by-committee approach with Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk, Fred Taylor and BenJarvus Green-Ellis anchoring the backfield.
Maroney would provide the Chargers a young running back who could replace Tomlinson in the backfield. San Diego could draft Florida's Joe Haden or Florida State's Patrick Robinson to replace Cromartie in their secondary while also saving money by releasing Tomlinson.
It remains to be seen if the two AFC contenders would be interested in the deal, but given each squad's respective needs, the trade could make a good deal of sense for both sides.
