NFL news: Bucs set to release Darrelle Revis this week?

A year after completing a blockbuster trade for him, Tampa Bay may move on from Darrelle Revis.

Mar 11, 2014, 11:00 AM UTC

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

When the Jets shopped Darrelle Revis on the trade market last season, the Buccaneers appeared to be the only team with legitimate interest in trading for the All-Pro corner. A year later, Tampa Bay is likely hoping other teams gained interest as the Bucs are reportedly shopping Revis and will release him if no deal is completed by Wednesday.

Questions surrounding Revis’ health and a high price tag likely limited trade interest last season. Revis proved to be healthy last season and the Bucs would almost assuredly ask for less in return, but trade interest is still likely to be limited at best. Along with Revis, any acquiring team would also pick up the remaining five years and $70 million on his contract. Not many teams will be willing to absorb the $16 million annual salary, especially with many estimating Revis would receive significantly less, possibly $12 million per season, on the open market. An acquiring team would also have to trade away an asset, likely a draft pick. With reports indicating the Bucs will release Revis without a trade, teams have no incentive to give up a pick, when they can bid for Revis’ services once he’s released.

The Bucs are inclined to make a move by Wednesday, because if Revis is on the roster after 4 p.m. ET, the Bucs will owe New York a third-round pick instead of a fourth-round pick to complete the deal. One round isn’t worth rushing into a move, but the Bucs had all offseason to gauge trade interest and likely know they won’t find a suitor. If they are unwilling to pay Revis his $16 million salary and have no other options, they might as well make the move now to slightly lessen the trade compensation.

The entire situation amounts to a very costly one-year rental for the Bucs. If Revis is released by Wednesday, the Bucs will end up sending the Jets a first and fourth-round picks while also paying Revis $16 million. Ouch.

Seahawks ink Michael Bennett to four-year extension

Seattle retained a key piece to its defense on Monday, signing versatile defensive lineman Michael Bennett to a four-year deal worth a reported $28.5 million. The deal includes $16 million guaranteed. Seattle signed Bennett to a one-year deal last offseason and he responded with a very productive year. Although he played mostly a reserve role, Bennett contributed more and more as the season went along. He finished the year with 8.5 sacks, playing multiple spots along the line. He was arguably Seattle's best defensive lineman a year ago, which is saying something considering how effective Brandon Mebane, Red Bryant, Cliff Avril and others were.

Danny Kelly wrote about the impact Bennett makes on defense:

Bennett completely changes the complexion of the Seahawks' defensive line because he is so damn effective from wherever he lines up. He had 8 sacks in 2013, but also contributed 17 QB hits, 39 QB hurries, registering the 3rd best Pass Rushing Productivity by a 4-3 defensive end, according to PFF, behind only Robert Quinn and Cameron Wake. If you designated him as a DT (which is his main role with Seattle), his Pass Rushing Productivity grade would have been best in the NFL. Even if you don't buy much into PFF's grading scale, Bennett's disruptive nature and playmaking ability is as clear as day on film.

LaMarr Woodley, Santonio Holmes, Carlos Rogers on the chopping block

A few veterans joined or will soon join the free agent market. Santonio Holmes joined the free agent crop on Monday after he was released by the Jets. The wide receiver was plagued by injuries the last two seasons. New York signed Holmes to a lucrative deal following a very good 2010 season, but he failed to equal that production during three disappointing and injury riddled seasons.

LaMarr Woodley hasn't joined the open market yet, but he will on Tuesday. The Steelers informed the linebacker that they will release him after the new NFL league year begins at 4 p.m. on Tuesday. By delaying the release until after the start of the new league year, the Steelers can designate Woodley as a post-June 1 cut. Doing so will save money on the 2014 salary cap. Woodley's former teammate Ike Taylor avoided a similar fate by taking a substantial pay cut on Monday.

Rogers appears destined to join Woodley on the market as reports indicate the 49ers will release the cornerback soon. San Francisco could wait until the new league year to also capitalize on the post-June 1 cut designation. The move was not unexpected although it -- along with the free agency of Tarell Brown -- will leave San Francisco with some work to do at corner.

Free agent rumors

Free agency won’t officially begin until 4 p.m. this afternoon, but the rumor mill is already in full swing. Here are a few of the latest rumors floating around.

Panthers trying to trade Steve Smith, according to report http://t.co/cqQUM5bvxK
— Cat Scratch Reader (@CatScratchReadr) March 10, 2014

Report: Arthur Jones and the Colts Have Mutual Interest http://t.co/n3oB59VPlD
— Brad Wells (BBS) (@StampedeBlue) March 11, 2014

#Bucs lead for Michael Johnson; Making push for Anthony Collins. Will #Bengals match? http://t.co/Bym0boX9JN
— Cincy Jungle (@CincyJungle) March 11, 2014