Darrelle Revis was the big move for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2013. The team gave up a first-round draft pick for the cornerback in hopes that he could bring Revis Island to Florida. The cornerback certainly had moments of greatness last season, but a new head coach and defensive system could change some things in Tampa Bay. Could Revis be traded once again before the 2014 season?
Revis got paid the big bucks by Tampa Bay. The result is a $16 million cap hit in 2014, something the Buccaneers would love to get rid of. According to CBSSports.com, other teams have noticed just how non-committed the Buccaneers appear to be to the defensive star. NFL insider Jason La Canfora, Tampa Bay has received numerous calls regarding a trade for Revis and believes the team could be poised to make a deal before the year begins. While it does not appear Tampa Bay is actively shopping Revis because of his cap hit, they are certainly answering the phones.
According to Tampa Bay general manager Jason Licht, the team is not discussing a trade for Revis. He said that right now every player is being evaluated, but that Revis is a crucial asset to the roster. The trade talk started once Lovie Smith was hired as the new head coach for Tampa Bay. His defensive system does not fit the strengths of Revis and many wonder if Tampa Bay would move on from the veteran because of it. Licht calls the idea comical.
Smith runs a defense based on zone coverage, similar to what Greg Schiano ran when he was head coach. Revis noticeably struggled in the new system, not appearing as dominating in 2013. While with the New York Jets, Rex Ryan built his defense around Revis constantly going up against the best wide receiver on the field. That is how Revis Island came about in the first place.
Shedding the cornerback's contract would certainly help a team in transition. They could gain extra salary cap space and likely another draft pick to build up the roster. There has been plenty of smoke regarding this move, but the Buccaneers have yet to commit. The Jets certainly hope they do not because if Revis is still on the roster come March 13, the team receives a fourth-round pick over a third-round pick as part of last year's trade.
Who could be interested in a trade for a cornerback that could still be one of the best players in the league? The Oakland Raiders might not turn down the option. The team has a very young secondary and acquiring a player like Revis would certainly be a boost. The St. Louis Rams could also be interested. The team is looking to move down in the draft and are predicted to be focusing on defense. Grabbing Revis would help in 2014.
