When Darrelle Revis officially became available in free agency following his release from Tampa Bay, New York Jets fans were doing everything they could to get their hands on John Idzik's phone number and put in a personal request that the cornerback return. Revis played his best days with the Jets and would certainly be a welcomed presence following to the release of Antonio Cromartie. However, Revis signed with the New England Patriots, leaving everyone including Rex Ryan upset.
Wednesday evening was heating up after reports surfaced that Revis was talking contracts with the Jets. When Tampa Bay was shopping the cornerback for a trade, Revis had said he was very open to returning to the Jets where he would be the centerpiece of the defense once again. According to the New York Post, the two sides had talked about numbers, but in the end Revis signed a one-year deal worth $12 million to play for the Patriots.
According to the New York Daily News, Rex Ryan wanted a Revis reunion more than anything. The coach claims he had nothing to do with the nasty divorce between the two sides last year when the Jets opted to trade the cornerback to the Buccaneers over giving him nice contract extension. When Revis beame available once again, The Daily News reports Ryan put the hard sell on Idzik to try and get the cornerback to return, but the decision was ultimately out of his control.
It is no surprise that Ryan would push hard to get Revis back with the Jets. New York was playing their best football with the cornerback on the field. Revis made the rest of the defense better, making Ryan better in return. Now working off a one-year contract, Ryan wants the best team possible so he can keep his job.
So where does New York look now with Cromartie gone and Revis signed? Bringing back Cromartie could actually be an option. The cornerback told reporters that he would be interested in coming back to New York, but wants to test the market first to see if a better offer comes elsewhere. Interest has been quiet around the veteran, so Jets fans should not rule out the idea.
Champ Bailey is available, but he hardly compares to what the Jets have had in the past. The veteran was released by the Denver Broncos and denied plans to retire. New York could get him for very cheap, but the productivity could suffer.
The last option could be Brandon Browner. The cornerback is suspended for the first four games of the season, but would be a strong addition once back on the field. He is currently takings visits to the Washington Redskins and New England Patriots, but could find himself the target of New York.
