New England Patriots decline option on Darrelle Revis
The New England Patriots did not pick up the option on Darrelle Revis’ contract and the Pro Bowl cornerback is now a free agent.
The Darrelle Revis era in New England could already be over after one season that saw the Patriots win the Super Bowl over the Seattle Seahawks after the team did not pick up his option that would have paid him $20 million in 2015, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
More from New England Patriots
- Patriots backup plan for DeAndre Hopkins is a shot in the dark
- NFL rumors: Patriots screwed themselves with DeAndre Hopkins pursuit
- Bill O’Brien arrival did not end the road for one disliked Patriots coach
- 3 biggest mistakes from the NFL offseason
- NFL Rumors: Dalvin Cook free agency complicated by court filing
Revis was due a $12 million roster bonus on Tuesday, the first day of the league year and the start of free agency, and a $7.5 million base salary and $500,000 in in-game bonuses.
He carried a staggering $25 million cap hit, so today’s decision is not surprising and doesn’t automatically mean Revis will not be back in New England for 2015 and possibly longer than that, according to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio.
Patriots not picking up $20 million option in Darrelle Revis' contract; now set to become free agent Tuesday.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2015
The New York Jets are reportedly the biggest challenger to the Patriots for Revis, according to Florio who reports the four-time All-Pro is open to taking less money to return to New England.
"“The question is whether the Jets will offer enough extra money on the total deal and enough fully guaranteed money to overcome the player’s built-in preference to stay in New England.”"
Revis has a reputation for asking for every last dollar on his contracts, even if it means holding out, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing, it’s actually really smart when you’re arguably the best at your position in the NFL.
Further, NFL Media insider, Ian Rapoport tweeted the Jets have put a pause on all their free agent activity and make Revis their priority and bring him back to the city and the franchise that drafted him in 2007 and where he spend the first six years of his career.
The #Jets have hit pause on their free agent pursuits in the event Darrelle Revis became available. At least, Revis can gauge his market.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2015
The Jets are armed with ample salary cap space to give Revis the guaranteed money he covets, but will the Patriots make an offer close enough to the Jets or will they let him walk as they’ve done with so many other veterans in the past under Bill Belichick?
Where do you think Revis should sign? Where do you think he will sign?
More from FanSided
- Joe Burrow owes Justin Herbert a thank you note after new contract
- Chiefs gamble at wide receiver could already be biting them back
- Braves-Red Sox start time: Braves rain delay in Boston on July 25
- Yankees: Aaron Boone gives optimistic return date for Aaron Judge
- MLB Rumors: Yankees-Phillies trade showdown, Mariners swoop, India goes to Seattle