To Trade or Not to Trade…Darrelle Revis, That is the Question

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-US PRESSWIRE

One thing we have learned, without any shadow of a doubt, that this roster is severely lacking in talent. Up and down this roster, especially on offense, this roster, despite what Rex said during the preseason, is lacking the talent to be seriously competitive. It’s not going to take just one or two moves to turn this team into a Super Bowl contender. With that, a very interesting debate has sparked within Jets fans. The question is, whether or not the Jets should trade Darrelle Revis?

It’s an interesting question, one we are going to look at both sides of.

Before we get to that, I don’t believe we are talking about a discussion that will even be on the table during the upcoming off-season. With Revis coming off the ACL injury, nobody is going to invest a lot in him until they see that he can play again, and play somewhere close to his former self. Assuming that happens in 2013, we are talking about a discussion for the 2013 off-season, at least in this man’s opinion. That being said, let’s start with the argument not to trade Darrelle:

WHY NOT TO TRADE DARRELLE

There isn’t a lot to say here. We all know that Darrelle Revis is the best cover corner in the game. Heck, he is the best that this game has seen in quite some time, and is a weapon that we certianly don’t want to lose. Can you imagine this fan base the first time he runs back a pick six AGAINST the Jets? All hell would break loose.

More than that, assuming that Rex Ryan remains the head coach going forward, Darrelle Revis is taylormade for the Rex Ryan defense. The Rex Ryan defense, with everyone healthy, is based on pressure. Constant and exotic pressure on the quarterback. As the Jets move, with the improvement on the defensive line, to more use of the 4-3, and even the “46” looks, the pressure on the quarterback is crucial. With the pressure, comes man to man coverage on the outside. Darrelle’s ability to shutdown his man, by himself, on the outside, is an essential element to making that defense work.

He makes everyone around him better. Cromartie, Wilson, and everyone else, get to be on the weaker wide receivers, making their play stand out that much more.

The argument is certainly solid to not trade him, and keep him around. Turn the page, and we will go over reasons TO trade Darrelle.

Sept. 9, 2012; E. Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) makes the interception on Buffalo Bills wide receiver Steve Johnson (13) at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/The Star-Ledger via US PRESSWIRE

WHY TO TRADE DARRELLE

Let’s talk about this idea, realistically. Darrelle Revis is going to command a whole pile of money. Rightfully so, as he is arguably the best defensive player in the sport, assuming he is healthy again. He will deserve it, and be right in the prime of his career at 28 years old. He will be coming off of a 4 year, $32 million guaranteed contract that if he plays to his typical numbers, will have outplayed by a lot. Nnamdi Asoumugha, who many compared to Darrelle, signed a 5 year, $60 million contract, with at least $25 million guaranteed. Revis will certainly ask, and deserve, much more than that. How high can you go to pay a cornerback, and not kill the development of the rest of your team? His price could get too high, and not be worth signing if the Jets want to improve their roster.

We have also seen the fractured relationship between the Jets and Darrelle’s agent. We saw it during the negotiation process on “Hard Knocks” the last time. To say that the negotiations were a bit rough would be to put it mildly. This next negotiation is not going to be easy and will try the patience of both sides. It is far from out of the realm of possibility that a long holdout could ensue, again hampering the development of this team. Again, it may not be worth it.

Also, don’t diminish the importance of the NFL draft. The best way to consistently refill your team and keep it competitive is through the draft. Unfortunately, the team that we have been desperately trying to catch, the Patriots, get that. They always are at or near the top of the league in number of draft picks. Since 2003, they have averaged 9.2 draft picks per year. Over the same period, the Jets have averaged 6.6 picks. That is almost 30 more players that the Patriots have drafted than the Jets, and look who has been better at replenishing the roster with talent? It’s no coincidence.

Think about the possibilities that Darrelle could bring back in draft picks. It happens all of the time, the biggest example was years ago, when the Cowboys traded running back Herschel Walker. For those that don’t remember, the trade brought back five players and six draft picks, with those picks turning into Emmitt Smith, Russell Maryland, and Darren Woodson among others. No, I am not saying that Darrelle could bring back that kind of return, but what if the Jets were to get a call regarding Revis, and get an offer for 3-4 draft picks? With the Jets in dire need of a roster overhaul, how can they not at least consider it?

I actually believe the Jets should explore this possibility. Once he plays, and shows that he still is Darrelle Revis, they need to explore this possibility. The Jets need to restock this roster, and the draft is how to do it. Don’t just make the trade for the sake of making one, but if he can be traded in return for multiple draft picks, the Jets have to at least consider it.

For the long term good of the team, the Jets owe it to themselves to at least explore this.