NFL free agency is a time of great hope and even greater danger.
Some savvy teams make clever signings to bolster their depth and get production from unexpected sources. Other teams throws bundles of cash at a problem and hope a solution will magically appear-- not everyone can build through the draft.
Occasionally, though, a team will make a big splashy move that actually (gulp) works out! Such is the case with the New England Patriots signing of cornerback Darrelle Revis during the offseason. The team's Hall of Fame quarterback may get all of the headlines but Revis is a big reason why the Patriots (9-3) are a good bet to reach at least the AFC Championship Game. In fact, the addition of Revis has proved to be the best move of the offseason.
"Revis has re-established himself as one of the best corners in the league and currently ranks second in Pro Football Focus grading at the position," ESPN's Mike Sando wrote. "The Patriots acquired him for a $7 million cap charge this season and, based on his level of play, they can feel good about renegotiating his larger 2015 charge as part of an extension. New England can move forward with elite players/talents at premium positions: quarterback (Tom Brady), pass-rusher (Chandler Jones) and cover corner (Revis). Go ahead and lump Rob Gronkowski into that group given the value pass-catching tight ends can offer. Revis could wind up being the final piece in New England's championship puzzle."
Words are all well and good, but how about some concrete numbers to back it up?
The Patriots are a perfect 6-0 at home this season where they have recorded five interceptions and 10 sacks. Revis has 38 total tackles with one forced fumble and two interceptions this season. He currently ranks eighth in the advanced metric positive expected points added.
All of that is a fancy way of saying Revis has played very well for New England this season.
