Woody Johnson appears to have a No. 1 offseason target in mind.
The New York Daily News reported Tuesday that the New York Jets owner has had discussions with general manager Mike Maccagnan about making a push for possible free-agent-to-be Darrelle Revis.
Revis technically is still under contract with the New England Patriots, who hold a $20 million option for the 2015 season on the All-Pro cornerback. ESPN’s Adam Schefer said Monday he would be “surprised” if the Patriots pick up Revis’ option — which comes with a $25 million salary cap hit — which means there’s a good chance Revis enters free agency this offseason.
If that’s the case, expect the Jets to be serious suitors, according to the Daily News. Revis was drafted by the Jets and spent his first six seasons with New York. Revis’ time in New York came to a messy end before he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the Jets are under new management with Maccagnan calling the shots at GM and Todd Bowles taking over at head coach.
As the paper points out, the Jets seem to have the financial wherewithal to make a push for Revis, if they decide to do so. New York doesn’t have a ton of money tied into big-name players — especially at the quarterback position — which could give them flexibility. The Jets also would be helped, according to the New York Daily News, by growing TV revenues, which should raise the salary cap in coming years.
Johnson said in late December that he’d “love” for Revis to come back. The Patriots reportedly filed tampering charges against the Jets for the comments, despite Johnson’s attempts to downplay any wrongdoing.
Revis obviously would be a perfect piece to add to help the Jets’ rebuilding process. Still one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, Revis was a game-changer for the Patriots in 2014, helping New England win its first Super Bowl in a decade.
Thumbnail photo via David Butler II/USA TODAY Sports Images
