The New York Jets to go after Darrelle Revis in free agency

The New England Patriots cornerback will be pursued by his former team if he chooses to go to free agency.

The New England Patriots are gearing up to play in the Super Bowl today against the Seattle Seahawks. The New York Jets played Geno Smith as their quarterback. Nevertheless, according to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, the Jets are still going to try to pry Darrelle Revis from New England.

The Jets are expected to pursue Darrelle Revis, assuming he becomes a free agent, per @AdamSchefter. #nyj
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) February 1, 2015

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Revis signed with the Patriots earlier this past offseason on a one-year deal that pays $11.5 million, a deal that includes a team option for next year.

From Tom Pelissero at USA Today Sports:

"It also contains an option for 2015 that the Patriots would have to exercise by the end of the 2014 league year, locking in a $12 million roster bonus payable April 1, 2015, a base salary of $7.5 million and another $500,000 in per-game roster bonuses.If the Patriots decline the option – which seems likely given the price, no matter how well Revis plays – it also would prevent them from using the franchise tag, meaning Revis would either get a new deal in New England or hit the open market."

The Jets are apparently hoping for the latter, as the asking price may be to steep for the Patriots even if they decline the team option.

The addition of Revis would provide the Jets with a familiar and steady foundation with which, along with defensive tackles Sheldon Richardson and Muhammad Wilkerson, new head coach Todd Bowles can rebuild the Jets defense. Wilkerson and Richardson provide the Jets with a definite advantage on the interior of the line, forcing opposing teams to rely more on their short passing game to get steady chunks of yardage. Having Revis would severely limit the opposition on his side of the field.

Really, all that needs to happen is for Revis to want to come back to New York.

@Jason_Owen naw 16 is better
— Darrelle Revis (@Revis24) November 4, 2013

Oh.

That was from last season when Revis was a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The team had started 0-8, Greg Schiano roamed the halls and the team had a MRSA outbreak. If that is Darrelle Revis’ standard, it will take a lot of money to pry him away from cozy, MRSA-free New England next year.

Regardless, the Patriots have brought Revis to the doorstep of his first championship, and staying in New England would give him a shot to be in this position annually. He gets to play with arguably the greatest NFL coach in history, along with a strong, veteran locker room and an incredibly loyal fan base.

Although coming back to New York provides Darrelle Revis with the opportunity to return as a conquering hero, the Jets simply can not offer the same.

[H/T: USA Today Sports]

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