Darrelle Revis (24) is going to be an expensive option in free agency, but he can help a team immediately. (Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports)
New England Patriots cornerback Darrelle Revis could become a free agent Sunday, and if he does, the Jets plan to be there to show him the way back to New York.
Jets owner Woody Johnson reportedly has made it clear he views Revis a top priority in sitdowns with first-year, first-time general manager Mike Maccagnan. At the scouting combine in Indianapolis, Maccagnan said the Jets would be very aggressive when free agency begins March 10 pointing to “a lot of cap space” and many needs to fill.
The secondary is a clear need for the Jets, who are transitioning from hyper-aggressive, blitz-heavy Rex Ryan to another defensive-minded coach, Todd Bowles.
Johnson caused a stir and got the attention of the Patriots in the NFL at Ryan’s farewell press conference when he announced he would “love to have Darrelle back” with the Jets. Of course, Revis was under contract with the Super Bowl champion Patriots and discussing players signed with other teams is subject to tampering rules.
Revis has a $20 million option bonus due March 9 (Sunday).
His agent said Monday that he expects Revis to become a free agent. If the Patriots cannot work out a new deal with Revis, their options are to let him hit the market or pick up the option for 2015, which carries a salary cap figure of $25 million. New England has multiple free agents to consider, including safety Devin McCourty and running back Stevan Ridley.
Revis turns 30 on July 14. He signed with the Patriots prior to last season after being released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Another AFC East team, the Buffalo Bills, would likely kick the tires on Revis based on the strong bond between Revis and Ryan, who helped convince the former first-round pick to end a contract holdout with the Jets and lobbied for him as league MVP.
