The trade rumors surrounding Darrelle Revis appear to have more truth to them than originally assumed. At first it seemed crazy the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would consider getting rid of the cornerback just one year after they sacrificed a lot to get him from the New York Jets. But, with a new head coach and new front office, no one is left that originally brought Revis to Tampa. With the team rebuilding once again, his salary is no longer welcome.
Publically, the Buccaneers remain committed to Revis being a part of their long-term plan. However, that is the approach the Jets took as well before completing a draft day trade for the No. 1 cornerback. New head coach Lovie Smith has voiced his support for Revis, noting that he will be able to work the cornerback into his defensive scheme. New general manager Jason Licht pretty much avoided the discussion altogether, simply saying Revis was an "asset" to the team.
The reason for the rumors is Revis' contract. The cornerback is earning $16 million a season. That is a pretty ugly salary cap hit for a team in need of draft picks and more free agents. If the Buccaneers still have Revis on the roster from March 13, he is owed $1.5 million and the Jets then become the owner of a third-round draft pick instead of a third-round pick. If Revis worth it? On the field, the answer is yes, but from a business standpoint the answer might be no.
Tampa Bay will find interest for Revis. A team in need will find ways to work around the large salary in order to get one of the best shut-down corners in the league. Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com reports that the Denver Broncos could have serious interest regarding Revis. Champ Bailey's future is extremely uncertain. The cornerback promises he is not retiring. The Broncos can save $10 million dumping him. Revis would be a dramatic upgrade in one-the-field stats even though he would increase the net gap by $6 million.
The New England Patriots look to be the other option for the cornerback. While the team is not known for making these types of marquee trades, getting Revis could be a more desirable option over re-signing Aqib Talib to a big money, multi-year deal. The Patriots could absorb Revis' contract into a pay-as-you-go type deal and help ease it into their salary cap hit. Paying the cornerback a $1.5 million roster bonus and work out bonus, plus his $13 million base salary is less of a risk than giving out another big contract to a player with off-the-field issues in his past.
Right now, the Buccaneers are holding onto the cornerback. Internally, it appears that have a different mindset. Expect things to heat up close to the March deadline.