Like a sappy romantic comedy, the New York Jets let a special someone get away once before. But if they have the chance to win them back, they won't ever let them go again.
I'm talking about former star cornerback Darrelle Revis, whom the Jets traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the 2013 season. Tampa Bay let Revis go due to salary cap concerns after just one season. He then enjoyed a resurgent Super Bowl-winning year with the New England Patriots in which he re-established himself as one of the best cover corners in the NFL.
But now his future is up in the air once again. Technically, Revis is under contract with the Pats for the 2015 season, but he would count an astronomical $25 million against the cap. Some reports indicate that New England would be willing to pay this amount, but it would go against their organizational philosophy to commit so much money to one player. If the two sides can't work out a long-term deal, Revis could hit the open market.
And that's where the Jets come in.
"...I think (Jets owner Woody) Johnson is intrigued by the idea of reuniting with Revis, weakening a division rival in the process," ESPN Jets reporter Rich Cimini wrote. "Johnson, second-guessing former GM John Idzik, has said he would've pursued Revis last offseason (after he was cut by the Bucs) if he knew he could've signed him for $12 million in 2014, the deal he landed with the New England Patriots."
Revis has said in the past that his preference was to have stayed in New York. Could a second chance and an opportunity for a reunion be coming for both sides?
"Would Revis consider the Jets? Yes, he would. They'd be a more attractive destination if Rex Ryan still were the coach, but I don't think that would be a deal breaker. Revis likes New York (he almost bought a place in Manhattan before the trade), and the idea of returning to where he started might appeal to him in terms of creating a legacy in one place instead of being remembered as a football vagabond."
The Jets desperately need help in the secondary. Revis is arguably the game's best defensive back. Would it be hard to leave a Super Bowl winner? Yes, but it wouldn't be unprecedented.
New York must realize after two failed years under Idzik in which they were very conservative in the offseason that a splash would be welcome. Revis would garner some much needed positive buzz as well as act as a massive on-field upgrade.
"But, for now, just know that Revis Island is showing up on the Jets' radar," Cimini wrote.
