Darrelle Revis may be traded from the New York Jets after options are explored by owner Woody Johnson. Could he land with Denver Broncos or New York Giants?
The New York Jets just hired a new general manager in John Idzik and he is already trying to shake things up.
According to CBSSports.com's Jason La Canfora, Jets owner Woody Johnson is exploring the idea of trading Darrelle Revis, the team's best player. 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.
Revis has had issues with the Jets in the past regarding his contract and that seems to be the main reason why the trade is being explored. He signed a new extension in 2010 and his current contract voids after the 2014 season. 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.
The team could lose Revis as an unrestricted free agent down the line and the team currently has very little cap room to work with.
"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 Revis only played in three games this season after suffering a torn ACL and there is a chance his skills will be diminished when he comes back. The Jets have 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 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" and 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.
The Jets were one of the worst offensive teams in the NFL and ranked 30th in passing with 180 yards per game, while scoring just 17 points per game, ranked 28th in the league. The team was bgetter 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 biggest issue for the Jets is that they know Revis is one of the best defensive players in the league and likely will have to pay him that way. Mario Williams signed last year with the Bills for $60 million guaranteed and Revis will likely want something near that number for his next contract.
According to CBSsports, a trade for Revis would also be tough on the Jets anyway, since he would be a $9 million cap hit due to some option-bonus prorations involved in the contract. The team could sign Revis to another extension, but that has been the move between the two parties over the past few years and has served as more of a band-aid than a true solution
Former Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum was the one who drafted Revis in 2007, trading up in the draft to get him. Rex Ryan has always been a big fan of Revis, but if the decision is up to Johnson, Ryan might be out of luck.
"Do I assume that Darrelle Revis will retire a Jet? I do," the coach told Newsday on Sept. 26. "That's something that I believe. Obviously, both sides have got to come together, but from my perspective I think the Jets want Darrelle here. And I think Darrelle wants to be a Jet. That right there is probably the biggest thing in having a guy long-term here."
There was news about how Johnson had Tebow forced on him bnack in March when the Jets traded for the quarterback, so this time he might be taking the lead in the situation instead of deferring to his football people.
Tebow was a huge disappointment for the team, playing in only 77 offensive played and gaining 102 rushing yards on 32 carries. He made only eight pass attempts and completed six of them for 39 yards.
Any team with a need at cornerback would likely try to deal for Revis, including teams like the Denver Broncos and the New York Giants. Other possible partners include Kansas City, where Any Reid was just hired and might want to make a splash, as well as San Diego, where the teams two starting corners are free agents.
If the Jets decide to trade Revis, they likely will ask for a fairly high draft pick, but it depends on how other teams value Revis after his knee injury. Jets fans were frustrated enough during the season with the play of the team and now they will have to deal with the possibility of losing their best player for less than he is worth since the Jets can't take on any more high salaries.
According to ESPNNewYork.com, the Jets are already $19.4 million over the 2013 salary cap, which is one reason for the trade rumors.
"I definitely want to be here," Revis said the day after the season. "This is where I live, this is the team I got drafted by."
The Jets finished just 6-10 this season and lost their final three games to the Titans, Chargers and Bills. The team dealt with numerous injuries, including to Revis and wide receiver Santonio Holmes and was embarrassed on Thanksgiving night when Sanchez fumbled after running into the buttocks of one of his offensive lineman, allowing the Patriots to score a touchdown.
