The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are confirming what most people were already assuming, the team is ready to part ways with Darrelle Revis. The Buccaneers acquired the cornerback last offseason in a Draft Day trade with the New York Jets, giving up two first round picks for him and a lot of money. However, the team is under a new front office and new head coach and no one appears to be in Revis' corner anymore.
ESPN.com reports Tampa Bay will attempt to trade Revis in the coming days or simply release him before he is owed a $1.5 million roster bonus on Thursday, The Buccaneers would prefer to trade the cornerback so they do not eat dead money, but the team is in need of salary cap space and will do whatever is necessary. The two sides attempted to negotiate a restructured contract, but nothing was agreed to. Revis is currently signed to a deal that pays him $16 million per season and is eating up a majority of Tampa Bay's free space.
According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, several teams are interested in making a deal for one of the best cornerbacks in the league. Interest was low last season with the Jets were shopping him since Revis was coming off an ACL injury, but he proved he could return the same player as before which has plenty of franchises looking his way.
The New England Patriots have been the first team to have their name tossed around in the Revis pool. The team is considering not re-signing Aqib Talib and could use the secondary upgrade that Revis would bring. The only issue is that a marquee trade like this does not fit the plan the Patriots normally abide by. Owner Robert Kraft very rarely makes a big move in the offseason. New England is also being tight with their money and taking on Revis' contract would be a big hit to their salary cap plans.
The Denver Broncos could also be interested in Revis. The team has parted ways with veteran Champ Bailey, leaving holes on the field. The Broncos have made big moves in the past, so trading for Revis would not be out of character. The salary is again the issue as Denver is already having cap issues of their own.
Schefter also reports the Philadelphia Eagles could be in the mix for a trade. The team has been looking at several secondary players like TJ Ward and Jairus Byrd. The idea of getting a star cornerback like Revis could be very enticing.
The likelihood that Revis actually gets traded in the next 48 hours is slim. The Buccaneers will likely want at least a first-round draft pick in return, similar to what they gave up. Since teams know Revis will be released if a deal is not made, most franchises will simply wait it out.
