The Darrelle Revis trade rumors dominated the New York Jets' press conference for GM John Idzik as news also came out about owner Woody Johnson getting tired of Rex.
The New York Jets are a circus and everyone seems to know it but them.
Just one day before holding an introductory press conference for new general manager John Idzik, rumors started circulation (first reported by CBSSports.com) that the team was looking into the possibility of trading All-Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis
Idzik was asked about the rumors at the press conference as well as the fate of quarterbacks Tim Tebow and Mark Sanchez.
"I can't comment really," Idzik said. "I'm literally hours into the building. That we're going to save for our evaluation process."
The news first came out on Thursday morning, with CBSSports.com writing that the team may trade the star since he can become a free agent after next season. He has dealt with contract issues with the team over recent years and signed an extension with the Jets in 2010 as a stop gap.
"We're going to develop those plans in the days to come," Idzik said. "I never saw the cap situation here as a hindrance. It's something you research, pour through and evaluate."
Revis is considered to be the best player on the roster and one of the most elite defensive players in the NFL. He is a shutdown corner and a secondary player that can cover anyone in the league. According to CBSSports, he is set to earn $6 million in 2013 with salary and bonuses. Revis signed a seven-year deal then that voids to a four-year pact, thus making him an unrestricted free agent after the 2013 season.
"I've talked to some people today who say that Woody Johnson is very interested in trading Darrelle Revis," La Canfora said last night on Showtime's "Inside the NFL."
The 27-year-old played in just three games this season after suffering a torn ACL and there is a chance his skills will be diminished when he comes back. The team also has a number of players they need to sign, including tight end Dustin Keller, running back Shonn Greene and defensive tackle Mike DeVito and they have a lot of money tied into quarterbacks Tim Tebow and Mark Sanchez.
"Now, you look at the Jets. They're in transition. A new general manager in John Idzik. One of his first courses of action may be trying to find out what he can get for Darrelle Revis. He's set to make $6 million this year. But then, after the season, he can't be franchised after 2013. They don't think they're going to have the wherewithal to keep him off the open market. So, if you're going to get any value for him, you need to find out what he's worth now," La Canfora said.
Idzik is known as a "cap-hawk", but downplayed that moniker in the press conference. He is very knowledgeable with the business side of things, which could help with the trade. Idzik helped turn around the Seattle Seahawks and will try to do the same with a Jets team that went just 6-10 in 2012.
Football is at the root of who I am," Idzik said.
As news of the trade started coming out, it was also reported that owner Woody Johnson was getting fed up with the "circus" antics of the team under Rex Ryan.
"There seem to be a lot of misperceptions," Idzik said.
Idzik did not get to choose his head coach, with Johnson keeping Ryan despite going 6-10 in 2012. According to ESPNNewYork.com, Johnson has been speaking one way publically and one way privately about Ryan.
"I look at Rex Ryan as a very accomplished coach," Idzik said, and then he turned to Ryan, who was in the front row for the news conference.
Other details came from former Denver Broncos GM Ted Sundquist, who interviewed for Idzik's job two weeks ago.
"He wasn't as -- look, I know how that press conference came out," Sundquist told ESPNNewYork.com, referring to the Woody-Rex lovefest. "I'm not sure if that was accurate. I think Mr. Johnson realizes there are weaknesses and deficiencies there. "He was adamant about how the players love Rex, their connection with him. But then he was like, 'That said ... ' -- and he listed X, Y and Z, the things Rex needs to improve upon."
The Tim Tebow situation helped turn the Jets into a bit of a circus since he dominated so many headlines despite barely playing at all. The team was not good on either side of the ball and finished ranked 30th in passing with 180 yards per game, while scoring just 17 points per game, ranked 28th in the league. The team was better on defense, although they were ranked 26th in rushing. After the Revis injury, the team was able to recover with cornerback Antonio Cromartie, who helped the Jets rank second in passing yards.
Revis was hurt in the third quarter in Week 3 against the Miami Dolphins as he was trying to track down running back Daniel Thomas for a tackle. He was making a cut with his left knee when it occurred; it was a non-contact injury.
Revis was drafted 14th overall by the Jets in 2007 NFL draft and quickly made an impact on the league, totaling three interceptions his first season. He made his first Pro Bowl in 2008 and has made it each year since then. He was also named to the All-Pro team three straight years from 2009-11.
In 2009 he won the AFC Defensive Player of the Year and had seven interceptions. The following season, unhappy with his contract, he held out of the preseason and later signed a four-year, $46 million contract with $32 million guaranteed. He will be 28-yars-old when he returns from the injury.
During the 2012 season, Revis had 11 tackles, 2 passes defended and one interception as well as a fumble recovery.
The Jets will be looking for some type of equal compensation for Revis, but chances are they will only net draft picks for the cornerback.