The NFL free agent period is about to start and names like Darrelle Revis, DeMarcus Ware and Mark Sanchez could be new additions if they are cut and teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, Chicago Bears, Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders could be interested if those players are indeed released.
The NFL has been hit with some trade rumors coming into Tuesday involving Revis as well as a number of other high priced players, including Steve Smith and Julius Peppers, but those are not likely to happen this close to the deadline. The Buccaneers reportedly want two first round picks in any deal for Revis and the cornerback has a high number of $16 million for his salary this season. Peppers would cost $18 million on the cap and teams are likely to just wait for those players to get released rather than trade for them.
ESPN.com is reporting that the Buccaneers will cut Revis if they can't complete a deal and this comes just a year after he was traded from the Jets. The former Bucs regime made that deal before Lovie Smith took over and that is why the team likely is shopping him. The Buccaneers have money to spend, but they would like to free up some more space and this comes as Revis is due a $1.5 million roster bonus this week, meaning a cut or trade is coming no matter what. The Jets would get a fourth round pick from that deal from last year if he is released instead of a third rounder.
Ware is another player that could get cut and if he isn't the team likely worked out his contract to lower his cap number a bit. The team has Ware in on a $12.25 million salary this season and they are hoping to get that down with him taking less money and if not, he could be released. Ware counts for $16 million until June on the cap and that puts the team, in a tough situation no matter what and if he is released, the Chicago Bears are a likely option, as they were tied for last in the league last season in sacks with the Jaguars. The team is looking to ditch Peppers via trade or a release and that could lead them to signing other names at the position.
Revis would be a target for a number of teams if released, including the Eagles, Giants and Redskins as well as the Bears, as they all gave up chunks of yards through the air last season. The Eagles were last in the league and they could be looking to upgrade and as long as Revis isn't as crazy about his money as he was before, he could be worth bringing in. The Giants have enough money to ask Revis what the deal is, but it's likely they will pass on signing him despite having a rough season at corner.
The NFL free agency period and new league year starts at 4 pm and that is when teams can start signing players and some of these names may be cut at that time and it could make for an interesting free agent class.
