Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
For anyone that thought CB Darrelle Revis left his “pay first, play second” reputation in Tampa Bay or New York, think again.
The veteran CB made $16 million last season in Tampa Bay, and is scheduled to make $12 this season with New England. If he competes and plays at levels were accustomed to seeing him play in 2014, will New England bite the bullet and give him his expected $20 in 2015?
According to Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post, Revis doesn’t seem certain of his future in New England beyond 2014. Hubbuch quotes Revis saying:
"“I’m on my career and my journey, and right now, I’m a New England Patriot,” Revis said after taking part in a voluntary on-field workout at Gillette Stadium. “And that’s that.”"
Not very convincing to Patriots fans, who witnessed Revis cause havoc for New England’s offense twice a year during his tenure with the New York Jets.
The Patriots aren’t known historically for dishing out record contracts, but things could get interesting if Revis has his hand in putting New England atop the AFC once again. Revis is also entering his second year from ACL surgery. History shows players are much more effective in their second year coming off the surgery than the first (unless your Adrian Peterson).
Hubbuch also quoted Revis admiring the overall preparation and dedication to winning the Patriots have, starting with owner Robert Kraft.
"” From the inside, it’s totally different,” Revis said. “There are things you didn’t expect from how this organization is [run], from top to bottom. You’ve got to take your hat off to [owner Robert] Kraft for how this organization operates. They want to be a winning organization, and I’m happy those guys gave me an opportunity to come in here and be a part of it.”"
Though it’s not very assuring, it does present the fact that Revis is happy (at the moment) in New England. Once deemed the top corner in the game, Revis has somewhat of a chip on his shoulder entering 2014. Does Revis island still exist on the NFL map? Or have other top corners such as Seattle’s Richard Sherman or Arizona’s Patrick Peterson taken the title of “best corner”? All we know for right now is Revis is a Patriot, he’s happy being one, and he has something to prove. Only 28 years old, Revis still has time to get back to his dominant style of play.