The rumors surrounding New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis are never ending. Both parties have flip-flopped on trade rumors, constantly saying one thing and then a day later they say another. Finally, it looks like a leader has emerged from the pack to land the cornerback is the New York Jets do in fact decide to trade him away. Pro Football Talk reports the Buccaneers have a trade plan in place they will offer the Jets to get Revis.
Revis going to Tampa Bay does make sense. The four-time Pro Bowler would be a significant upgrade to their struggling defense. Their secondary was awful in 2012 with Ronde Barber and Eric Wright taking most of the snaps at cornerback. The team has been searching for possible replacements as free agency approached. Tampa Bay gave up an average of 297.4 passing yards per game last season, ranking last in the NFL. They also allowed 30 passing touchdowns, fifth most in the league.
Revis is coming off an ACL season-ending injury after playing just two games last season. However, reports say he will be ready and healthy by the time training camp starts and is expected to return to his old form. In 2011, he totaled 52 tackles, 21 passes defended and four interceptions. Tampa Bay would love his ability to shut down big receivers and he would pair nicely next to safety Mark Barron.
Tampa has prepared a trade plan to offer the Jets for Revis. The Jets have originally requested a first-round pick Revis, but that is starting to seem unrealistic as not many teams jumped to the offer. The Buccaneers package is headlined by a second-round pick this year and possibly a first-round pick in 2014. That could be enough to persuade the Jets.
Tampa Bay is not the only team interested in Revis. The Eagles have recently released Nnamdi Asomugha and will be looking for a new shut down corner to add to their struggling defense. The Atlanta Falcons are also in the race for Revis but the team recently denied any interest in trying to get him.
At this point, no matter how much the Jets attempt to deny any trade rumors; it seems inevitable that Revis will not be in a New York uniform. It is only a matter of time before he lands somewhere else.