It has been reported in recent days that if Darrelle Revis plays in 2017, it will be with the New England Patriots. While the ten-year veteran is seeking to be on the gridiron next season, it will not be in a New York Jets uniform, after being released weeks ago. He could play for the team’s arch rival, the Patriots. Head coach Bill Belichick will likely be looking for a replacement for the eventual departure of Malcolm Butler, who’s being courted by the New Orleans Saints in a long-term deal.
An NFL Insider recently commented on the potential deal saying:
“We did our work on him. He can still play. He can cover. He doesn’t have that long speed anymore; he’s not going to cover a No. 1 receiver deep. But he can cover in tight spaces and he has great instincts. The film is not as bad as some would have you believe. He’s a perfect fit in that quarters scheme Belichick runs, and they have the kind of safeties who can help him out, too. We’re convinced he’s going back to New England. It just makes too much sense.”
The seven-time pro bowler and four-time First Team All-Pro still has plenty to contribute on the football field, assuming he still has the desire to play. Revis has 29 interceptions, 138 passes defensed, four forced fumbles and three touchdowns playing in 140 games. He was critical to the Jets’ deep playoff runs in 2009 and 2010, ending in losses in the AFC Championship Game. Revis did win a Super Bowl Title with New England Patriots in 2014.
Revis left the Patriots after just one season, signing a five-year contract with the Jets worth $70 million. After being released by the team, however he’ll only receive $39 million of that compensation. He’s earned $118.2 million over the course of his nine-year career playing, predominantly with the Jets, but in addition to the Patriots, he also had a short stint with the Buccaneers.
Mike Reiss said of the potential reunion:
“When Darrelle Revis played for the Patriots in 2014, his 1-2 cornerback tandem with Brandon Browner helped the defense produce some impressive results in the second half of the season. If restricted free agent cornerback Malcolm Butler were to wind up elsewhere, some have speculated the team could consider bringing Revis back to fill the void. While that door might not be officially closed, I'd be surprised if it's a serious consideration at this point.”
The first round draft pick in 2007 (14th overall) out of Pittsburgh has a market value of $5.8 million and a potential contract earning value of $17.6 million for three years. However, if he signs with the Patriots, it’s unlikely he’ll get that kind of money, knowing Belichick’s frugality and the team’s lack of available salary cap money, especially for a defensive back garnering just one interception last season.
Patriots’ fans will have to wait and see whether the aging corner will be back in Foxboro, though all signs are seemingly pointing to a second stint with the team. The team and fans can only hope it is as successful as the first.
