Apr 22, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Darrelle Revis (middle) poses for a photo with a jersey at a press conference with general manager Mark Dominik (left) and head coach Greg Schiano at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay Bucs CB Darrelle Revis really wanted the number 24 on his back. He wanted tpo wear that jersey number, but young stud safety Mark Barron was already rocking the number. So Revis decided to buy the number off of his back for a solid $50,000 according to Paul Lukas of Uni-Watch.com

That is a ton of dough to pay for a jersey number, but Revis is the highest paid defensive back in the league. I understand Revis makes a ton of dough, but is it really worth it?

John Kruk sold his jersey number for a couple of cases of beer.

What do all the Tampa Bay fans do with their number 24 Barron jerseys? Barron only wore the number 24 for one season and will get a new number.

I wonder how much of that $50,000 is guaranteed money?

Mark Barron should be able to have a nice dinner tonight. Not like the kids doesn’t have a nice contract himself, but $50,000 still has to be a good sized amount of pocket change to the kid. I think.  Would that be equivalent to $1000 for me? I really can’t grasp that part of the situation, but I will sell my flag football jersey number for a couple of cases of beer.

May 9, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Ronde Barber (middle) poses with head coach Greg Schiano (left) and general manager Mark Dominik during his retirement press conference at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The front office of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers along with their fans, coaching staff, players, including myself, wanted Ronde Barber to return for a 17th season.

After being with the team for as long as he has, it is pretty hard to picture this secondary without seeing that familiar #20 on the back of the jersey, along with ‘Barber’ stitched above it. But with the moves that the Buccaneers made this off-season and Barber already contemplating retirement, I was sure he was going to come back for one more season in hopes of another Super Bowl title.

“I’m not ready to make a decision on it. I’m pretty sure it will play itself out when the time comes.” - Barber on retirement from December. 

Who knows if he would have started, but if he would have returned, he would have added more depth to this defense as he has played a few positions for this team, as he played corner for 15 seasons and free safety in his last. It would have been likely the team would have given Barber another spot on the roster, but would it have been a spot on the field? With the moves they have made, signing Dashon Goldson, trading for Darrelle Revis, reconstructed the deal with Eric Wright and then drafted corner-back Jonathan Banks in the 2nd round of the draft, competition going into camp and pre-season will be tough for anybody who is looking to start in this secondary.

So what would Ronde have done if he were to come back? He talked to Eric Kuselias from Pro Football Talk saying

“We had some discussions about what my role might be but I went into last year under the same circumstances. I knew they were going to make some moves in free agency. They were going to go get a a corner-back that they thought was going to be a starter and that my role was going to change and it would work itself out and they were very open about it and they were the same way this year. So I would’ve came back I’m not sure where I would’ve fit into that puzzle when we signed two pretty outstanding players, (Dashon) Goldson at safety and (Darrelle) Revis at corner.”

I would have liked to see Ronde Barber return for a 17th season, but in a way, I am glad he decided to call it a career. He had 16 wonderful seasons in this league and I would hate to see a possible hall of fame player sitting on the sidelines. Although I’m sure he would have had some playing time, but after all he has done for this team, he would have deserved a starting position on this team. I understand that teams need to get younger, but Ronde had at least another good productive season in him.

Mark Barron, who is the teams #1 pick from last season, is entering his second season at safety, where he would be next to Dashon Goldson who will start at free safety this season. So with the additions this team has made, it left very little room for Ronde Barber to fit in Tampa Bay’s plans.

“Eric Wright signed another deal to come back or restructured his deal to be back with us so I’m not sure where I would’ve fit in. It would have played itself out and I’m sure I would’ve decided to continue to play I would’ve been happy with whatever role that I would’ve landed in but as it stands nobody has to worry about that decision. It was time for me to move on. It was a personal decision, there were a lot of factors that weighed into it but I’m happy to be going on to what’s next for me.”

Now that his decision is made, what does Ronde Barber do now? I’m sure he will be a color commentator for NFL on FOX, even Tampa Bay pre-season games. The options for Ronde are endless, offers were probably thrown his way as soon as he announced he was retiring from the NFL, just like his brother Tiki. So now that he has officially begun his life after football, even though last season was the last time we would see Ronde play this game, I am hopeful this isn’t the last time we have seen Ronde’s face in this league.

“Over the last 16 years, we’ve seen a lot of changes. We’ve seen a new stadium go up. The uniforms have changed. Coaches, we’ve seen different players come and go. We’ve seen change upon change upon change. But over the years, there has been one constant here in Tampa. A true professional in every sense. What I consider the definition of greatness on and off the field. When we talk about Buccaneer Men, I say if you could put a picture on the wall and say, ‘True Buccaneer Man’, it would be Ronde Barber.” - Buccaneers co-chairman Joel Glazier on Ronde Barber. 

Either as a coach, color commentator, even side-line reporter, we all know Ronde Barber is not completely done with the National Football League. Removed his game day uniform, time to put on a game day dress suit and get ready to report or call games. Ronde even said himself yesterday that his next step is to likely start a career in broadcasting and has no intention on leaving Tampa Bay.

“I love football, but football is not who I am. I’m ready to move on, ready to do what’s next. I’m not going anywhere, I’ve got nowhere else to go.” – Ronde Barber

I agree with Joel Glazier, Ronde Barber is a True Buccaneer Man through and through. Can’t wait to see where he ends up next, this time as a rookie in broadcasting.

Dec 30, 2012; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets helmet on the field before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

With the #13 pick in the NFL Draft, the New York Jets have selected Sheldon Richardson out of Missouri.

A quick defensive tackle, is the 2nd defensive player in the 1st round draft by the New York Jets. A great athletic defensive tackle, should help rebuild this defense who got rid of Darrelle Revis, Bart Scott and LaRon Landry so far this off season. Has some work to do but should improve when camp opens up and gets some reps under his belt.

The Carolina Panthers are on the clock.

Dec 17, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; New York Jets kicker Josh Brown (not pictured) helmet shows support for the Sandy Hook elementary school prior to the game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

With the #9 pick in the NFL Draft, the New York Jets who hold two first round picks, have selected Dee Milliner out of Alabama.

A pretty obvious pick, after trading Darrelle Revis (who went 14th overall in 2007) to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers just a few days ago, is the best corner back available in this draft. Great coverage ability, good awareness, great tackler and will fit perfectly in Rex Ryan’s defense.

The New York Jets do have the #13 pick in the 1st round.

The Tennessee Titans are now on the clock.

Feb 20, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (cap) at the game between the Miami Heat and the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at Philips Arena. The Heat defeated the Hawks 103-90. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The NFC South, is the only division in the National Football League that has had each of it’s teams in the realigned division, to reach the NFC Championship game since 2002.

Teams in this division are definitely getting tougher, you have two of the top quarterbacks in Matt Ryan and Drew Brees leading their teams each season. With the bottom two of the division, you have fresher faces with Cam Newton and Josh Freeman, who hope to be thrown in the same conversation as far as quarterback play is concerned with Matt Ryan and Drew Brees.

Each year a different division champion has been crowned since 2002 (Falcons 3, Saints 3, Bucs 3, Panthers 2), but for the last 4 seasons, the top of the division has been locked for either the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints. New Orleans Saints being the only team since the 2002-2003 Tampa Bay Buccaneers to win the division and win the Super Bowl.

It appears that the division supremacy for the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints will soon coming to an end.

The Carolina Panthers are slowly piecing their team together, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers seem to have the edge over them after recently acquiring corner-back Darrelle Revis. One of the best shut down corners in the league, according to Skip Bayless, he is the best since Deon Sanders, is coming off an ACL injury which sidelined him after only 2 games played last season. He will be known as one of the best shut down corner’s in the league unless his play this upcoming season tells us otherwise.

Matt Ryan was on NFL Networks Total Access last night and he was asked about his thoughts on Darrelle Revis joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he said

“He’s a great player, he really is, one of the best if not THE best in the NFL. It’s going to make our jobs a little bit tougher, their defense is already solid and I think the addition of Darrelle Revis makes them even better. But it’s a good pick up, we know our division is tough, we are going to have to play our best football week in and week out to give ourselves a chance.”

Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons had the best record in the NFC last season, finishing 13-3 and locking up the #1 seed. The last 4 seasons between the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints have each finished 13-3 in the league when they won the division, around 11-5 when becoming a Wild Card qualifier and (2011-2012 Atlanta Falcons) 10-6. So the way those two teams have been playing, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers will have to either match those records or hope the Atlanta Falcons or New Orleans Saints have a season full of mistakes and losses.

Darrelle Revis definitely makes the Tampa Bay Buccaneers a lot better and the NFC South a lot tougher, the scary thing about this is, the Buccaneers can still afford to make more moves.

Aug 26, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) defends against Carolina Panthers wide receiver Seyi Ajirotutu (19) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers finally came to terms to trade for Darrelle Revis with the New York Jets. All it cost Tampa was a first round draft pick and maybe a third round later. But as Vincent Jackson was willing to praise the Buccaneers organization earlier this offseason, Revis is joining in.

“We’re going to make a lot of noise, don’t worry about that,” Revis said, via PFT. “This was a great move on my part to come be a part of this organization.”

“We have some great guys and that was one of the things that me and my team looked at,” Revis said. “I think they were a playoff team even before me being a part of Buc Nation. I’m just adding a piece to it.”

One of the biggest question marks around the Buccaneers has been their quarterback situation and whether they were willing to stick by Josh Freeman or were looking to move on. Having traded the 13th pick in the first round, the Buccaneers are most likely going to stick with Freeman at quarterback, at least for another season.

Revis is currently recovering from an ACL injury, and having passed a physical with Tampa they must feel confident in his progress but Revis doesn’t want to talk about it.

“We’re not really going to get into the health issues right now. I’m working as hard as I can,” Revis said.

Aug 26, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) during the second half of their game against the Carolina Panthers at MetLife Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Jets 17-12. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

The trade between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New York Jets for Darrelle Revis is now finalized. Adam Schefter reported on twitter that Revis passed his physical and now the trade is complete.

The New York Jets will receive Tampa Bays #13 overall pick in this years draft, along with a condition 4th round pick in 2014, which can become a 3rd if Revis on the roster on third day of league year next March.

As for the new contract for Darrelle Revis, it makes him the highest paid defensive back in National Football League history but does not include any guaranteed money as reported by Adam Schefter.

The deal is a 6 year, $96 million dollar deal which will give him $16 million a season. As for the jersey number, I’m sure he will want to wear #24, which Mark Barron wears so I am pretty sure Revis will make him a deal that will convince Barron to switch numbers next season.

As for their new secondary, it looks like the following. Darrelle Revis as the left corner, Eric Wright as the right corner, Dashon Goldson at Free Safety and Mark Barron at Strong Safety. Remember, Ronde Barber could come back so he can be added to that list of names as soon as he makes a decision to retire or not.

Darrelle signed six-year, $96 million deal with Bucs. This year he will make $16 million. Makes $16 million each year. Ripped up old deal.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 21, 2013

Jets said conditional 4th-rd pick in 2014 from TB becomes a 3rd if Darrelle Revis is on roster on third day of league year in March.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 21, 2013

Trade official: Darrelle Revis passed physical. Bucs send 1st in 2013 and conditional 4th in 2014 that could be 3rd to Jets. More on ESPNews

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 21, 2013

December 4, 2011; Landover, MD, USA; New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) stands on the field during warm-ups prior to the Jets game against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. The Jets won 34-19. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Back in February reports broke out from the NFL Combine that the New York Jets were open to listening to offers for corner-back Darrelle Revis.

Adam Schefter reported that the New York Jets granted Darrelle Revis to visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and under go a physical.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will acquire corner-back Darrelle Revis from the New York Jets for multiple draft picks including their #13 overall of the 1st round in Thursday draft, pending his physical.

A few teams were reportedly in the hunt or interested in the 4 time pro bowler, including the Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta Falcons and the San Francisco 49ers. But clearly, with the money available and willing to give up what the New York Jets were asking for, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were considered the heavy favorite.

Revis and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are also in talks of a contract extension, where Revis could be asking for around $15 million per year, which shouldn’t be a problem for the Buccaneers considering how much money they have available.

General Manager Mark Dominik is showing that he is dead serious about making this team into a contender. Dominik made a splash early on in free agency by bringing in free safety Dashon Goldson from the NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers, where he signed a 5 year, $41.25 million dollar contract.

So with a contract like Goldson’s, you would have to think it is pretty obvious Mark Dominik throws the same amount of money, if not more at one of the best shut down corners in the National Football League. He is coming off of an ACL injury, in which he tore against the Miami Dolphins and was placed on the injured reserve on October 12th.

Right now, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are starting to look like that team that Mark Dominik has talked about putting together. This man meant business this off season and has made key moves to possibly make them a favorite to win the NFC South.

Looking at the 2013 schedule for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Darrelle Revis would play his former team when they open up their season in Metlife Stadium against the New York Jets. Following that, they take on Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints at home in Tampa, then out to visit Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. They have a rough schedule, but I think with the team they have now and still having money available and consistent play from their offense, could be fighting for a wild card berth late in the season.

After 6 seasons with the New York Jets (4x pro bowls, 3x all pro, 2009 defensive player of the year), Revis has picked up nearly 300 tackles, 19 interceptions, 3 touchdowns and 98 passes defended. The secondary for this team looks absolutely ridiculous. I’m sure now, Ronde Barber has made up his mind about retirement and will decide to come back for another shot at another Super Bowl run and having guys like Dashon Goldson, Eric Wright, Leonard Johnson, Mark Barron, this defense is set.

So with all this being said and it finally coming to a close. Ladies and Gentlemen, Revis Island more than likely has a new home, now lets see how things come together during the season.

Breakthrough: Jets have granted permission for CB Darrelle Revis to visit Tampa Bay and undergo a physical with the Buccanners, per sources.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 21, 2013

Feb 21, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Jets coach Rex Ryan speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Darrelle Revis saga has a new chapter. Now head coach Rex Ryan has spoke out and given his two cents on the “will Revis be traded” saga. Only, his claims go against the rest of the front office.

“I know for a fact that we’re not actively trying to trade Darrelle Revis. But if somebody calls, you listen,” Ryan said, via the New York Post’s Bart Hubbuch.

So that statement from the Jets’ head coach makes it seem as if they’re planning on having Revis on their roster next season. Many had suspected that they would be getting rid of him before the draft.

Rex Ryan though clearly appears to be just blowing smoke up everyone’s you know whats. Look at what he said about Tim Tebow.

Bart Hubbuch quotes Rex as saying Tebow “will be part of the competition.”

But even Rex says he doesn’t know what the front office is doing, and why certain moves like trading Revis and cutting Tim Tebow haven’t happened yet.

“I’m not out of the loop [on roster decisions now]. Ultimately, though, my only job is to coach the football team,” Rex said.

But Jets fans don’t stress. He won’t guarantee a Super Bowl, but his squad will be ready for 2013.

“We’re going to bring it. We are going to bring it. I know what it takes, and I promise you, my guys are going to be ready,” Rex said.

Aug 18, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive back Kyle Wilson (20) celebrates with teammate Darrelle Revis (24) during the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aristide Economopoulos/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

It’s not secret that New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis has been on the market and shopped around the NFL. A ‘serious trade partner’ has emerged in Florida, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Supposedly they received a “good trade” offer for Revis on Monday, and Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio has identified, with the help of an anonymous league source, the Bucs as the team.

Jets former general manager Mike Tannenbaum, thinks that Darrelle Revis should bring them the same return that the Minnesota Vikings got for Percy Harvin from the Seattle Seahawks. The difference with this deal, as Florio points out, is that this isn’t within the same conference, and they’re both not playoff teams.

Because the Vikings face the Seahawks in the NFC, and potentially the playoffs they needed more in return for giving up Harvin. The other hold up is the question marks around Revis and his ACL rehab. No one knows what level he will return too.

Florio thinks he can assume what a trade package would include:

“At best, it’s a package headlined by a second-round pick this year or possibly a first-rounder in 2014.  Under these circumstances, a 2013 first-round pick for Revis doesn’t make sense.”

The Jets though need to act quickly because if the Bucs fill the need at cornerback via free agency, they no longer need to trade for Revis.

UPDATE:

The Revis derby isn’t limited to one team. Several have had trade talks, including the Eagles and Bucs, and NYJ highly motivated to move him

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 12, 2013