Revis Island appears to be moving to a new city in 2013. One source tells Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News that it’s only a matter of time until the New York Jets trade Darrelle Revis.
“He’s gone,” the source said. “This is happening. They’re moving him. They can’t keep him. They’re rebuilding. They’re starting fresh.”
Two or three teams are prepared to present offers for the star cornerback as soon as the new league year kicks into swing on March 12 at 4 p.m. ET, according to the report published early Wednesday.
It’s no surprise that the San Francisco 49ers—a potential perennial Super Bowl contender with obvious needs in the secondary and a wealth of picks to deal—are one of those “legitimate buyers,” but Mehta’s report also suggests that another NFC heavyweight—the Atlanta Falcons—might emerge as a potential trade partner.
Photo Credit: NewYorkJets.com
[RELATED: Atlanta Falcons: Out With the Old, In With the New]
Last week, the Falcons released running back Michael Turner, defensive end John Abraham and cornerback Dunta Robinson, reportedly saving $15.9 million in salary cap space. Their departures could open the door for Revis to start fresh in Atlanta.
In six seasons, Revis, 27, has played in 79 games (all starts) and registered a total of 294 tackles with 98 pass deflections, 1.0 sack, three forced fumbles and 19 interceptions for 364 yards and three touchdowns.
The former 2007 first round selection (No. 14 overall) out of Pittsburgh hasn’t been nearly as healthy or productive over the last three seasons (2010-12) as he was in his first three years in the league (2007-09).
Revis racked up 199 tackles with four forced fumbles and 14 interceptions for 179 yards and two touchdowns and started every game in his first three seasons. Over the last three years, the 5-11, 198-pound cornerback has appeared in 31 games (all starts) and totaled 95 tackles with only one forced fumble and five INTs for 185 yards and one TD.
He’s also coming off a serious injury to his anterior cruciate ligament that caused him to miss all but two games in 2012 and will command a hefty salary (between $12 million and $16 million per season) in any long-term contract.
Nevertheless, he remains hands down one of the top two players at his position (and most see him superior to Richard Sherman of the Seattle Seahawks). In addition, his best days could still be ahead of him, not only because the three-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler is only 27-years-old, but because he’s also leaving the circus and joining a new organization.
The market for Revis appears to be a first-round pick plus another high pick—perhaps a conditional 2014 NFL Draft pick, per Albert Breer of NFL Network. It’s important to remember that Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff is no stranger to blockbuster deals.
Michael Gartman is a College Football and NFL Senior Writer, the AFC South and NFC West Lead Writer and the Founder, CEO of GridironGrit.com. He’s also about to start reporting on topics across all sides of the political spectrum and analyze important issues in the liberty movement for a political website. Follow him @_MichaelGartman on Twitter. Be sure to ‘like’ Gridiron Grit on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @GridironGrit to keep up with the latest coverage on college football, the NFL and more!
