The New York Jets have traded cornerback Darrelle Revis to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to his agency Schwartz & Feinsod.
Darrelle Revis trade: Jets send CB to Buccaneers, according to agent
New York finally made a move that has been rumored for months, dealing Revis to Tampa Bay.
In a deal that was months in the making, Revis was dealt to Tampa with New York receiving the Buccaneers’ first round pick this year, 13th overall, and more. Full details of the trade and Revis’ deal with the Buccaneers are not yet known. Adam Schefter reported that the deal with Revis was for six years and $96 million. It makes him the highest paid defensive back in NFL history. It also includes one very team-friendly aspect to it.
Darrelle Revis received a 6-yr deal from the Bucs that makes him highest paid DB in NFL history but includes NO guaranteed money. None.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 21, 2013
No guaranteed money is pretty unusual for a player of Revis’ stature. It gives Tampa plenty of protection should his recent injuries come back to haunt him.
On Sunday morning, it had been reported that the Jets were allowing Revis to visit with Tamba Bay to take a physical, all but assuring a trade was about to take place.
In his six-year career, Revis has shined brighter than anyone else at his position without question. A shutout corner of the highest order, Revis thefted 19 passes in that time despite quarterback never throwing neat him if at all possible.
Of course, Revis was limited to two games last season when tore his ACL. Revis has reportedly made a full recovery and passed his physical, giving the Buccaneers some peace of mind. Tampa has to hold onto some fear about Revis’ knee until it gets tested in actual practices and games, but that’s the inherited risk.
For New York, this is a way to speed up the rebuilding process. The Jets are in desperate need of an overhaul with few talented players on the roster. A team that went to consecutive AFC Championship games in 2009 and 2010, New York has fell apart since with poor quarterback play from Mark Sanchez and a lack of any offensive weapons.
However, this move still hurts for Gang Green, who may have just finished trading the best player in franchise history.
Tampa Bay is getting one of the best defensive players in a generation provided he’s completely healed from his ACL tear. Revis is a four-time pro bowler and three times has been honored as an All-Pro.
Revis will now join Eric Wright, Mark Barron, and Dashon Goldson forming one of the best secondaries in the NFL.
The move also makes Tampa much more competitive within its own division. The Bucs have to face the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers six times per year, all teams that like to sling the ball to top-flight receivers.
Now, Revis takes away Roddy White, Marques Colston and Steve Smith.
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