Where Could Darrelle Revis End Up In 2014 NFL Free Agency?
By Erik Lambert
Nov 17, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 41-28. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
After weeks of rumors he would stay put, it seems Darrelle Revis is on the move again. Where might he end up this time in 2014 NFL free agency?
Via Trade
Cleveland Browns
Of all the teams in the league that have both the picks and the money to pursue Revis, it would seem the Cleveland Browns are at the top of the list. They have five picks in the first three rounds of the draft and over $49 million in salary cap space. Could one imagine the possibilities if Mike Pettine put Revis Island opposite Pro Bowler Joe Haden? It seems almost too obvious a move to make if you’re GM Ray Farmer. Having two corners of such quality could potentially shut down any passing attack they face, changing the landscape of the AFC North overnight.
San Francisco 49ers
Another team with the picks to spare is the San Francisco 49ers, who also have five picks in the first three rounds. On top of that, unlike the Browns they have a more glaring need at the cornerback position and run a 3-4 defense that would make a perfect fit for the likes of Darrelle Revis. The key issue for the Niners at present is cap space. They have just over $10 million available. Technically they could get Revis if they wanted, but it wouldn’t leave much room left for other moves.
Via Free Agency
Philadelphia Eagles
The secondary was a problem too often for the Philadelphia Eagles, giving up big plays at the worst times. Most expect Chip Kelly and the team to address this problem in both 2014 NFL free agency and the draft. They have over $24 million in cap space so money shouldn’t be a problem if they want to make a run at Revis. His presence would certainly enable the Eagles to narrow their draft focus and improve that 32nd ranked secondary.
New England Patriots
It might seem counterproductive since word continues to leak that the New England Patriots are making a push to re-sign cornerback Aqib Talib. If they succeed then wouldn’t a move for Darrelle Revis be somewhat redundant? Not at all. Bill Belichick has always had a reputation for driving his defenses through tough press coverage, forcing offenses to throw in tight windows or stay on the ground where Vince Wilfork and a stout front seven would be waiting. It wouldn’t be easy since the Patriots have $14 million available and a good chunk of that would go to Talib, but if they could make the numbers work signing Revis might get them over that AFC championship hump for one more run at the Super Bowl.
Green Bay Packers
Spending wildly in 2014 NFL free agency likely isn’t the plan Green Bay Packers GM Ted Thompson has in mind but history shows the team has a tendency to pursue high quality players when the opportunity arises. Reggie White and Charles Woodson come to mind. Darrelle Revis certainly qualifies. The Packers have already spent a good amount of money on retaining the services of cornerback Sam Shields. However, the team still has over $28 million in cap space left, so if Revis were to become available they definitely qualify as one of the dark horses to make a run at him when the market opens.