For some, the Darrelle Revis holdout is a blessing in disguise, as it's keeping one of the NFL's top cornerbacks off the field. To others, like Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall, it's hindering the game because he strives for the tough competition.
Marshall told reporters on Wednesday that he wants Revis to end his holdout so that he can compete against one of the best cornerbacks the game has to offer. A surprising request, considering the Dolphins and the Jets are AFC East competitors, and a Revis-less Jets would obviously make them an easier opponent.
However, Marshall believes Revis' returning would enhance his performance, as he has struggled in games against the cornerback in the past. Marshall collected just five catches for 55 yards the last time he went up against Revis in 2008.
"In order to be the best, you got to go against the best," Marshall said, according to ESPN.com. "And you would love to compete against someone of his caliber and make plays on him."
Revis has been holding out on the New York Jets for three weeks, waiting for the team to acquiesce to his demands to be the highest-paid cornerback in the league. The 2009 AFC Defensive Player of the Year was on the payroll to earn $1 million this year, but he wants to earn more than Oakland's Nnamdi Asomugha, who makes $15.1 million per season.
Despite the lengthy holdout, Marshall believes it will go through, and Revis will be back in Jets green this season.
"I think it will get done," he said. "I don’t think it’s a matter of if, but when.”
