With his availability in the trade market, let’s look at Jets corner back Darrelle Revis and the idea of the Lions going out and pulling the trigger on a deal.
First off Revis is arguably the best corner in football, at least top three. The man changes offensive game plans and there are only a hand full of defensive backs that can claim that. In six seasons Revis has played 79 games boasting 10 interceptions and 98 pass deflections. All this with the opposition just flat out staying away from him while trying double moves to free up receivers. In other words his side of the field isn’t called Revis Island for nothing.
So here we stand, Revis is 28 years old in July, a player in his prime coming back from an ACL injury and his team has made it abundantly clear they wish to move on without him.
But why?
Well Revis will be owed a roster bonus something New York can certainly save on if he gets moved. Next the Jets are clearly rebuilding and could very much use the picks they would receive in a trade. So with that said it’s very understandable why New York would be looking to deal the star corner.
So who’s interested in acquiring one of the best players in the game?
The 49ers and Falcons are two teams interested in Revis with some experts mentioning the Lions due to the need they have in the secondary. But should the Lions go out and get Revis from the Jets?
The simple answer to that is no.
First the is money doesn’t line up.
Before re-signing Corey Hillard and Deandre Levy Detroit was estimated to be just under $10 million dollars in cap space. Since that number has shrank in recent days it’s conceivable that Revis will eat up the rest of the available cap money despite the Lions needing to address other areas. Not to mention the Lions already have Stafford, Megatron, and Suh taking up a lot of cap space. Adding another top paid player is bad business and will further limit what the Lions can do in free agency. Lastly if Detroit gets lucky and restructures Suh and Stafford’s current deals at most it will create another $6-8 million dollars which will still be somewhat limiting.
Second, Revis would be a one and done here. Once free agency opens next season, Revis will surely leave and more than likely go to a team that can offer him money and a chance to win.
Finally what’s the cost going to be for a Pro Bowler coming off an ACL tear? Rumors are the 49ers would look to give up a second round pick this year and a pick next year but what would Detroit have to give up? I’m not giving up Detroit’s 1st or 2nd round pick for a rental, even if it’s the league’s top corner.
Detroit isn’t there yet. If Detroit was coming off another 10-6 season with a playoff loss maybe I’d do it. The fact is though Detroit went 4-12 in 2012 and Revis at most is a two win swing for Detroit.
The Lions should just say no to Revis.