Rumors have spread recently about the possibility of the Buccaneers trading corner back Darrelle Revis. Per CBSSports Jason La Canfora, Revis is drawing the interest of multiple teams and executives saying Revis is “ripe to be dealt.”
“Teams calling the Bucs to inquire about Darrelle Revis, and some rival execs believe he is ripe to be dealt at start of league year …” CBSSports.com NFL insider Jason La Canfora, @JasonLaCanfora
“At this stage no one is making offers, and the Bucs haven’t contacted other teams about the Pro Bowl player, and are not shopping him, but talks could certainly progress as we approach the start of the league year next month. Revis makes $16 million this season and counts $16M against the cap (that holds true for every season through 2018), and Tampa has several other tricky contracts to sort through, particularly along the offensive line with an aging and highly paid group, many of whom are nearing the ends of their contracts.” In an extended subsequent report by Jason La Canfora.
Why Trade Revis: Darrelle Revis is a great football player, when healthy he is arguably the best cover corner in the league. But Revis is also very expensive, counting $16 million against the salary cap. The argument to be made is, whether Revis as a cover corner is worth that much of a cap hit under a Lovie Smith defense. A defense, more in need of zone corners.
It’s quite possible the Bucs could find a much cheaper corner, that also would better fit the scheme of the defense. Not only could the Bucs save cap space by trading Revis, but also gain much needed draft picks. The Bucs only have six draft picks this year, one of which will be going to the Jets. (The Jets get a 4th round pick from the Bucs, the 4th round pick will turn into a 3rd round pick if Revis stays on the Bucs roster)
In a draft that many experts consider deep, the Bucs lack of draft picks is problematic to say the least. If the Bucs could trade Revis to a team like the San Francisco 49ers who have 11 picks in this years draft, this would clear much needed cap space for the Bucs, while adding much needed draft picks. Its hard to argue that such a deal wouldn’t greatly benefit the Bucs. They could find a zone corner who would better fit the defense, save $16 million in cap and gain draft picks.
Why Keep Revis: I’m a firm believer that teams should keep great players, no matter what scheme a team uses great players are still great players. I like Revis, I like what he adds to the Bucs and this year he will be healthier. With a healthy Revis, coached under Lovie Smith, and playing alongside Gerald McCoy, Lavonte David, Mark Barron, and Dashon Goldson this defense has an opportunity to become a truly great. Lovie Smith has already said “We have a place for a great cover corner who is physical.”
I’m a little torn, I want to keep Revis on the Bucs. My gut says to keep him, but he is overpaid at $16 million. The team will have a tough decision to make, and I would not be surprised if the Bucs do trade him. I don’t think they want to, but if a team makes a good enough offer, it would be hard to turn down extra draft picks and $16 million in cap room. #ItsABucsLife
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