The New York Jets have remained hot and cold on a trade regarding cornerback Darrelle Revis. One minute they are shopping him at the NFL combine. The next minute they are expressing how excited they are to have him on the team. As the offseason continues, it seems more and more likely Revis will not be in New York come Week 1 of the 2013 season. There are still teams legitimately interested in dealing for Revis if the Jets can figure out their exact asking price. NFL sources report that a trade for Revis could go down between the Jets and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on draft day.
The Buccaneers have emerged as the serious suitor for Revis. No other team seems willing to put forth the money of draft picks for the cornerback. Revis is requesting a large long-term contract. After having season ending knee surgery last year, no one is willing to commit to Revis without first seeing how healthy he is. However, Tampa Bay seems to still be trying to make this trade work.
Trade talks between the two sides originally stalled because of what the Jets are asking in return. They currently want the Bucs first-round pick this year which is 13th overall. Tampa Bay is hoping to instead give the Jets their 2014 first-round pick.
According to Roy Cummings for the Tampa Tribune, this trade will ultimately happen as the Buccaneers get prepared to make their first selection. If there is not a player they are sold on picking No. 13 overall then they will likely trade to the Jets and take Revis. However, if there is someone that Tampa Bay believes could be a better draft pick, New York might not be able to get the trade to happen unless they accept next year's selection.
Tampa Bay has yet to sign another cornerback during free agency and they desperately need one. In 2012, the Tampa Bay defense was ranked 32nd overall, giving up 297.4 passing yards per game. They are in need of a shutdown cornerback to help the struggling secondary. Revis would bring a lot of talent if he proves to be healthy. According to doctors, his recovery is ahead of schedule and Revis has resumed light running and drills.
Tampa Bay at this point is the only team that will consider the Jets trade package. This will come down to the final minutes and could be a marquee headline come draft day.
