The New York Jets have played both sides of the fence when it comes to Darrelle Revis, saying that that team is entertaining deals for the quarterback while also commenting on his rehab and saying how important he is to the roster.
There were reported rumors of Revis being dealt to the San Francisco 49ers, but now another team has emerged. According to NFL.com, the Atlanta Falcons are now strong contenders to trade for Revis.
Sources spoke to the Daily News and said that Revis is as good as gone and according to the report, two or three teams are ready to make proposals for Revis after the trading period begins on March 12, the same day as free agency.
"He's gone," the source said. "This is happening. They're moving him. They can't keep him. They're rebuilding. They're starting fresh."
The Falcons have positioned themselves as a strong candidate, as they freed up a ton of cap space by ditching running back Michael Turner and defensive end John Abraham. The Falcons would also be able to steal Revis away from the team that beat them in the NFC Championship game, as the 49ers would lose out on him if the team can make a deal.
Revis wants top money and the Flacons could pay him since they are not nearly $16 million under the salary cap. The team also sent away cornerback Dunta Robinson, leaving the position very weak for the team as starter Brent Grimes, who was hurt all last season, is a free agent as well.
The Falcons would not be scared at making a risky trade, as general manager Thomas Dimitroff proved when he sent away a bunch of draft picks to select Julio Jones with the number six pock in 2011. The move was huge by the Falcons, but they felt Jones was enough of an impactful player to trade him for draft picks and that has proven to be a wise move.
Woodsy Johnson does not want to pay Revis and after coming off of another unsuccessful season at 6-10, the Jets are rebuilding and could get some draft picks in return. The team is also unsure how Revis will respond after coming back from a knee injury and could decide to make sure they get some value for the All-Pro.
The team won't keep him pst next season without an extension and he is looking for between $12 and $16 million per season, something the Jets have been unwilling to do.
The Falcons are only a player or two away from being a Super Bowl contender and Revis could be that player. The defense was ranked 23rd in passing yards per game last year and could be greatly improved by adding the top corner in the league
