NY Jets Must Trade Darrelle Revis Now

  Photo via Gary Rothstein for New York Daily News What’s an NFL offseason without Darrelle Revis and NY Jets drama? Last night, a brief interview between Darrelle Revis and Andrea Kremer aired on the NFL Network.  During the interview, Revis addressed his feelings upon hearing his name was circulating in trade talks.  To put it simply, he was “speechless.”  Additionally, Revis reiterated his desire to stay in New York, despite the Jets’ interest in trading him.  According to Revis, Rex Ryan and GM, John Idzik, both indicated the trade rumors didn’t originate with them causing Revis to believe owner Woody Johnson provided the directive.  When specifically asked if Revis believes Johnson doesn’t want to pay him, Revis responded, “That might be a situation. That might be something. That might be an option.”  Bottomline, Revis feels he deserves more insight into his situation, as the team’s best player; while also caveating that sentiment with the obligatory, “I know it’s a business.” Yes, Darrelle; it is a business.  While transparency is appreciated, that’s not how this business works.  No matter how much you feel you’ve given to the organization and earned in return, it means nothing.  That’s the way of the world for any employee-employer relationship.  The owner’s, and in this case Woody Johnson, first priority is protecting his investment.  If exploring trade options for you, his biggest fish seems like the most logical course of action, he has that right.  Should he inform you of his decision out of respect and courtesy?  He could, but he doesn’t owe that to you. For Revis, this is less about staying with the Jets, and more about getting paid when his contract expires at the end of this season.  It’s always about the money with him.  He is looking to become the $100 million man and the highest paid defensive player in the history of the league, and I’m not mad at him for that.  But unfortunately, paying $20 million a year to a defensive player doesn’t fit the Jets’ plans as they try to recover from the mess Mike Tannenbaum left behind and look beyond 2013-2014. Additionally, due to a clause in his contract, the Jets don’t have the option of franchise tagging Revis next season.  If the Jets don’t move Revis this season, they may lose him for nothing when he becomes a free agent. There in lies the problem(s) for Revis. As the Jets are currently $20 million over the cap, it’s next to impossible for the team to actively participate in free agency.  Due to Revis’s ACL tear suffered last season, there is room for lots of doubt as far as his health is concerned.  Though, to his benefit, Adrian Peterson’s remarkable recovery proves it’s possible to return as dominant as ever.  If anyone can duplicate Peterson’s superheroic comeback, I believe Revis can, but there’s no way to guarantee or know for sure. It also doesn’t help Revis that the Jets’ defense didn’t implode without him.  Thanks to Antonio Cromartie and Laron Landry, two pro bowlers, the Jets’ passing defense finished the season ranked second.  From Johnson and Idzik’s perspective, and mine too, the Jets are deficient in soooo many other areas, they can theoretically afford to lose Revis.  Based on these numbers, salary cap and overall performance of the defensive unit, the Jets wouldn’t be responsible if they didn’t use Revis as bait. Idzik has already indicated the Jets will be active in this year’s draft.  That, along with tight cap space, and Mark Sanchez still our number one QB, leaves me with low expectations for the season.  Since we’re rebuilding, I’d rather roll the dice on Revis, see what we can get in return, and start to put the pieces together now. I’d love to see Revis stay, but whether it happens now or later, Revis Island will eventually secede from Jets Nation.  No need to delay the inevitable. If you missed the interview, watch it here:  http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/0ap2000000140216/Health-of-the-Game-Revis-to-new-team -@sdotrenee