Darrelle Revis is a self-aware individual. A little bit of outside noise isn’t going to impact his Super Bowl XLIX homework.
Revis’ contract with New England includes a $20 million option for 2015. The Patriots could exercise the option — something they’re reportedly considering — but it’s also possible the sides could negotiate a restructured deal that would keep the cornerback in New England long-term at a more team-friendly salary cap figure.
Either way, Revis doesn’t seem distracted by the uncertainty surrounding his future. He’s used to playing for a new contract, and he has his hands preparing for the Seattle Seahawks.
“Just experience, growing as a professional athlete and not really focusing on the off-the-field situations or my off-the-field situations,” Revis told reporters in Arizona on Wednesday. “I feel like I’ve got a great team behind me, and they do a great job of where I need to be or where I want to go.
“Do I want any of the attention? No, but at the same time, this is how my career has been panning out. I’ve just got to make the best of it.”
Revis definitely has earned his $12 million paycheck this season. He’s been a shutdown force in the Patriots’ secondary, and New England’s defense is the best it’s been in years. The Pats would be crazy not to want him back for 2015 and beyond.
The question — as it typically is with the Patriots — is whether New England will meet Revis’ financial demands. Paying one player $20 million in today’s NFL isn’t ideal, and the team will face an interesting decision if it’s unable to work out a long-term contract with the six-time Pro Bowler.
Revis, meanwhile, is taking everything in stride, confident he’ll continue to produce regardless of the situation.
“It’s very risky to take that chance, but I believe in myself,” Revis said. “I have faith in myself, in what I bring to the table, in how I prepare and just me overall as a person. This is what I love. This is what I do. If I don’t believe in myself, who will?”
Revis is about to play in his first Super Bowl, which can be overwhelming in and of itself. Add in his contract ambiguity and there’s the potential for a perfect storm.
No big deal. It’s just another day on Revis Island.
Thumbnail photo via Jake Roth/USA TODAY Sports Images
