Yes, that Darrelle Revis. How could arguably the best cornerback be placed on a list full of has-beens and wannabes? Simple. Revis is in a contract year with the Patriots (even though it’s kind of a two-year deal), and while he chose this path of uncertainty, he also took on an astronomical amount of risk considering his recent ACL injury.
Prior to the Patriots signing Revis, it was reported that nearly every team in the league desired Revis’ services. In fact, according to sources, as many as 26 teams inquired to take a vacation on Revis Island, and there were plenty of teams that had a wealth of cap space to put towards that get-away. Revis could have held out, after the Buccaneers released him, and taken the best free-agent offer. Instead, he joined the Patriots on essentially a one-year deal that might, maybe, possibly, turn into a multi-year deal if he meets New England’s expectations.
“He could have gotten considerably more money going to other teams,” said Patriots’ owner Robert Kraft. “He still came to us and I think he knows we’re committed to winning as an organization. I really believe his priority is trying to win.”
While I believe Revis wants to win, I find it hard that he wants to continue his career on a series of one-year deals, no matter how lucrative they may be. Based on league history—and its injury history—few players, if any, spend their prime years on one-year contracts. Will Revis really buck the trend? Let’s not play games here. He will not. Players desire security, and while NFL contracts are hardly stable, a multi-year deal is still mentally comforting.
Further, we have to remember Revis is not a young, up-and-coming all-star. At the age of 28, he’ll likely receive one, last long-term deal before he, once again, ends his career on a series of one-year contracts. Revis must prove he has fully recovered from his ACL injury and can return to his legendary status as the game’s top-corner. Revis and the Patriots are banking on a full recovery. In fact, his bank account also depends on it.