According to a report from CBS Sports, the New York Jets will explore options to trade CB Darrelle Revis this offseason. Revis, who has one year left on his contract, will be most likely be demanding the biggest contract for a cornerback in the league, which is something that the Jets just cannot afford. So, the Gang Green will try to get value for Revis now rather than risk losing him as an unrestricted free agent in 2014. There's a clause in Revis' contract that does not allow the Jets to franchise him, so the Jets will either have to re-sign him (mission impossible) or get as much value for him as they can.
This move, if it does happen, absolutely makes sense for various reasons. First of all, the Jets are in a salary cap mess and will have to find ways to create cap room in order to rebuild the aging roster.
Secondly, while Revis does make the defense better, the Jets' secondary performed well without him after Revis went down with a season ending injury. So, re-signing him would be a luxury, not a necessity, that the Gang Green just can't afford.
Thirdly, as it's been proven time after time, any pass coverage can be exposed if an NFL quarterback is given enough of time to throw the football. Pass-rush has been a big problem for the Jets ever since they traded DE John Abraham to Atlanta. The New York Giants are a perfect example of how dominating the line of scrimmage results in winning championships and shutting down the likes of Tom Brady.
The Jets also have various other needs, such as running back, offensive line, and of course the quarterback. As much as it hurts to say, but the Jets are going nowhere in the next couple of years. So, instead of holding onto one elite player, it would be wise to rebuild the team with young impact players.
Then, there's also MLB David Harris, who's without a question a pretty good football player. But is he really worth $10.9M that the Jets are going to pay him in 2013? Harris finished this season with 123 total tackles (#17 in the league). Kansas City\'s ILB Derrick Johnson posted similar numbers but was paid just $3.25M. James Laurinaitis of the Rams had even better numbers (142 tackles) but was paid only $1.781M. Harris is a good linebacker but far from elite. The Gang Green would be better off trading him as well and getting someone to fill his place for at most half the money.