Source: Jets Will Attempt To Trade Darrelle Revis In The Offseason
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Imagine the Jets without Darrelle Revis? Never happen, right? Well, never say never. It's quite possible it could happen sooner rather than later.
In the midst of the early stages of a rebuild following a disappointing and at times embarrassing 6-10 campaign in 2012, the Jets have decided to explore trading their all-world defensive back during the offseason, WFAN and CBS New York's Jeff Capellini learned Wednesday night.
A well-placed source close to the situation said the Revis camp was informed earlier this week that the Jets would, indeed, try to trade him. It's believed new general manager John Idzik, who will be officially introduced Thursday at a press conference at the team's facility in Florham Park, N.J., will be tasked with getting what he can for Revis as soon as the offseason officially opens for business.
Revis originally signed a seven-year contract three years ago, but a clause allows him to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2013 season. The language in that contract also does not allow the Jets to tag Revis in any way.
Revis is scheduled to make $6 million next season, including incentives.
The thought process in Jets circles seems to be to get what they can for Revis now because they'll likely have a very hard time signing him to a long-term deal. It was no secret previous negotiations between Revis' camp and former GM Mike Tannenbaum were at times hostile, eventually leading to two holdouts and nearly a third, prior to this past season. That's not to say the same animosity would exist between Revis' handlers and Idzik, but the belief is owner Woody Johnson is down on the whole idea of extending Revis and wants to go in another direction.
The question now is what the Jets could possibly get for Revis, who is largely considered the best defensive back in the game, but is coming off a serious knee injury that knocked him out for the season back in Week 3. It's believed Revis is on schedule in his rehabilitation from ACL surgery and likely would be good to go for training camp, regardless of the team he plays for. However, the Jets may be forced to accept less than the assumed multiple first-round picks it is believed they could get in a trade if Revis is completely healthy.
Revis, who will turn 28 in July, is a four-time Pro Bowl selection, and finished second in NFL Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2009.
