New England Patriots Should Look to Sign Former Star Darrelle Revis
Darrelle Revis coming back to the New England Patriots would make a ton of sense for both sides.
Back in 2014, Darrelle Revis was arguably the best cornerback in football and was a huge part of the New England Patriots’ Super Bowl run. Revis’ ability to consistently shut down the opposing team’s best receiver obviously played a large role in the Patriots’ success.
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Revis’ stay in New England was short, as he signed a massive contract to go back to the New York Jets that following offseason. He was not the same player in 2015, but he was still a solid cornerback. In 2016, Revis became a liability for the Jets defense.
Instead of ignoring Revis Island like they did for so many years, opposing quarterbacks went after Revis when they needed a big play. He was downright awful last season and the Jets cut ties with him, despite the heavy hit on the salary cap. The Jets are now responsible for paying Revis $6 million for the 2016 season. Basically, he was so bad that the Jets paid him to go away.
Now, if a team signs Revis to a contract more than $6 million, the Jets will be off of the hook. However, based on his play last season, I just do not see that happening. Instead, Revis will probably get many league minimum offers because teams know that the Jets will have to make up the difference to $6 million anyway.
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Revis is going to take an offer over $6 million if it comes. He has always put himself and the money first. However, if that contract is not there, why wouldn’t he go to a familiar place where he can add more value for his next contract?
Landing back with Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots would be the best case scenario for Revis. Belichick knows how to put him in a position to succeed. If anybody can get his career back on track, it is Belichick. Plus, going to New England is Revis’ best chance to win another ring.
Would the Patriots Want Him?
It is easy to see why Revis would want to join the Patriots, but would the Patriots want him back? He is coming off of an awful season where there were many concerns about his weight. That is the kind of stuff that Belichick does not deal with. He knows that Revis is a good player, but if he is being lazy, Belichick is not going to want any part of that.
All it would take is one meeting. I am not saying that the New England Patriots should sign Revis sight unseen, but get him into Foxborough for a meeting to see if he can be committed to becoming a high-level cornerback again.
The Patriots do not need Revis to be the elite shut-down No. 1 again, but if he can be a reliable No. 2, it would be huge for this team. Stephon Gilmore is a strong No. 1 option, but if the Patriots and Malcolm Butler do end up parting ways, the team will lack impact play at the cornerback position.
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A starting duo of Gilmore and a motivated Revis would be incredible. Add in role players like Eric Rowe and Cyrus Jones and the Patriots have a nice mix of players at the cornerback position.
This entire scenario depends on Revis wanting to get his career back on track. When it comes to that, Belichick will know whether he is worth the risk or not. For such a cheap price, what does it hurt to see what he can do?