The Cleveland Browns, according to the latest reports, are set to make a run at signing All-Pro cornerback, Darrelle Revis, once the NFL free agency period officially opens at 4 pm.
Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com is reporting that the Browns have "expressed interest" in Revis already during the waning hours of the NFL's "legal tampering" window.
A connection exists between player and team as Browns head coach Mike Pettine was a member of the New York Jets staff while Revis was building his reputation there as a shutdown NFL corner who lived on "Revis Island."
NFL.com's Ian Rapoport added to Cabot's report shortly thereafter, noting that the Browns "made a run" at Revis prior to last season and "are set to do it again."
The New England Patriots, after winning this past season's Super Bowl XLIX thanks in large part to Revis' unmatched ability to shut down opposing wide receivers, chose not to exercise a $20 million option in Revis' contract, leaving him free to sign with any team he chooses once that 4 pm bell tolls.
The Patriots have, of course, expressed interest in his return and have reportedly been working feverishly to finalize a new deal.
Revis has also said that he'd like to return to New England but the Patriots are already over the salary cap for next season and may not have the money to keep the game's best cornerback. Revis is not only a phenomenal player; he's also a shrewd businessman who will go wherever the money is.
Cleveland, per OverTheCap.com, currently has the fifth-most cap space in the league - approximately $43.3 million - with which to entice Revis to join their recently moribund franchise.
For the Browns - like any team in the league - Revis would provide a massive upgrade outside. Buster Skrine is set to become a free agent and while he's a good, steady player, there's a reason GM Ray Farmer spent one of Cleveland's two first-round draft picks last year on Justin Gilbert.
Gilbert, much like the team's other first-round selection, provided little in the way of impact his rookie season.
While Joe Haden has one outside cornerback spot locked down, with Skrine potentially gone and Gilbert a major question mark, the addition of Revis would immediately solidify and upgrade the position.
