Exploring a Darrelle Revis Trade is the Right Idea

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 USA TODAY Sports

Darrelle Revis is a special football player, we all know that. He is up there as one of the top five players ever to wear the Green and White. Let’s face it, when he is on the field, whomever he is guarding is eliminated as a weapon. With a few minor exceptions, he gets the best of the guy who is in front of him.

Last night, Jason LaCanfora reported that the Jets are going to explore the possibility of trading Revis. Upon hearing of this news, there were a lot of mixed reactions from Jets fans, some going as far to say that they will leave the fan base if Revis is traded. Mind you, the trade is not a guarantee to happen. But, what I am here to tell you this morning, is that exploring the idea is the right idea.

First of all, you have to take into account his value against the salary cap. In 2013 (per nyjetscap.com), Revis will cost $9 million against the cap.  He may seek to renegotiate heading into 2013, and if that happens, that value will go up a lot. Antonio Cromartie will cost over $10 million against the cap. Together, they are making almost $20 million against the cap right now, and it would be much more than that if they renegotiate. That, my friends, is a lot of money to lock up in only two players.

Secondly, look at the performance that the defense put in without him. The Jets fought their way back as a defense, and, despite finishing with a 6-10 record, the Jets finished in the top 10 of overall defense for the fourth straight season under Rex Ryan. Yes that is a testament to Rex’s coaching ability, but it is also a testament to the players in this unit. It shows that having two shut down cornerbacks is a luxury, but not a necessity. This team can play well with one of these guys, it does not require having both of these guys. They can get bu if Antonio Cromartie is the number one cornerback, no question about it.

Aug 18, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive back Darrelle Revis before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

Finally, remember what we have talked about before on the topic of rebuilding a football team. Remember a while back, we took a look at the average draft picks the Jets have had over the last few years, and compared it to the number of picks the Patriots have had? The Patriots averaged around four more picks per season than the Jets. And shocker of shockers, the Patriots are the ones that continue to win. Mike Tannenbaum was notorious for trading away draft picks.

The problem with that is that you don’t build a program that way. Oh, you might bring in some great veterans, and have a couple of great seasons, like the Jets did in 2010. But what happened from there? They fell off the mark. Why? Because the Jets haven’t had enough draft picks to replace the guys that have left. The more draft picks you have, the more guys come into your program that you can develop. The way to replenish a football team is through the draft. The more college kids come in, the greater chance you have to find that diamond in the rough. We have talked about this before. Years ago, the Cowboys did the unthinkable, trading their star running back, Herschel Walker, for five players and six draft picks. Those picks turned into Emmitt Smith and Darren Woodson, among others. THAT is how you rebuild a team. Make trades to stockpile players.

The problem with exploring it now is the injury. Will there be many teams that want to make this trade, with Revis coming off of a season ending knee injury? The odds are pretty good that teams will want to see him play again, before commiting to him. So, trying it this year may not work. They just might not see the value to make it worthwhile.

But, they have to try. If Idzik thinks he can get value now, he should explore it. If he can get great value from a team for him, he absolutely has to consider it. If he can’t get a whole lot back for him, he needs to wait until after he plays again. But, despite the reaction it might garner, exploring the idea is absolutely the right move.

And I love Darrelle, but this is what needs to be done.