New England Patriots fans: Do not panic, freak out or overreact.
Cornerback Darrelle Revis and safety Devin McCourty still could return to the Patriots, who have to spend cash this offseason. What better way to use those resources than in locking up two defenders who helped propel New England to their fourth Super Bowl title?
But if Revis and McCourty don’t return, they’ll have plenty of suitors ready to hand out hefty salaries. Here are the best fits for the two defensive backs if they choose not to remain in New England:
DARRELLE REVIS
New York Jets: This should come as absolutely no surprise. Hey, the Jets’ owner even said he’d like Revis back in New York.
Revis has his Super Bowl ring, and now he has one last chance to cash in on a big contract. The Jets desperately need help in their secondary, and Revis loves New York. John Idzik, who didn’t want Revis last offseason, is gone, replaced by Mike Maccagnan.
Buffalo Bills: Revis enjoyed playing for Rex Ryan during their years together with the Jets, and now the head coach is trying to make the Bills into a contender.
Cornerback isn’t necessarily the Bills’ biggest need, but a player like Corey Graham isn’t going to stop any team from signing Revis.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Revis grew up in Western Pennsylvania, just 30 minutes north of Pittsburgh. The Steelers have needed to upgrade their cornerback position for years, and though it would take some salary-cap finagling, Revis would be well worth the trouble.
DEVIN MCCOURTY
Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons have plenty of cap room, and their pass defense was horrid last season. McCourty could immediately turn around Atlanta’s secondary with his dependable play deep at center field.
Tennessee Titans: McCourty’s twin brother, Jason, is ready to make his pitch for a reunion down south. Jason certainly could use the help in improving the Titans’ struggling pass defense.
Devin enjoys playing for a winner, however, and the Titans certainly don’t have a history of recent success.
New York Jets: Dawan Landry is unlikely to return to the Jets, leaving a void at safety. Rookie Calvin Pryor played free safety last season, but he’s probably better served to play the strong side in the NFL. Pryor and McCourty would make an imposing pair back deep, and the Jets have boat loads of cap room.
McCourty is a leader on and off the field, and he’s the kind of player who could help turn around the Jets’ locker room.
Thumbnail photo via Joe Camporeale/USA TODAY Sports Images
