Are the Jets thinking of leaving Revis Island?
Jets owner Woody Johnson is ready to explore trading star cornerback Darrelle Revis, according to a cbssports.com report. Revis is coming off left knee surgery, but he will draw interest on the trade market, and two teams already have expressed interest in acquiring him, a source told The Post.
Johnson knows it will be tough to reach a contract extension with Revis and may think the Jets should get something in a trade for Revis rather than letting him walk as a free agent next winter.
Revis is scheduled to make $6 million this season, and the Jets cannot use the franchise tag on him.
The Revis decision is going to be one of the first major ones for new general manager John Idzik, but it may not be his to make. Johnson likely will decide how much he is willing to spend on Revis, who will be looking for a monster contract similar to what Mario Williams received from the Bills last year. That contract included $60 million in guaranteed money.
The Jets drafted Revis in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He has become the face of the franchise and the best homegrown Jet since Joe Namath. Parting with him would be a major PR blow for the team.
Revis has said repeatedly that he wants to remain a Jet for his entire career. He already has had two contentious contract negotiations with the Jets and a third seems likely if he is not traded.
The Jets have major salary cap issues and are entering a rebuilding phase under Idzik. There was speculation in league circles this week at the Senior Bowl that Idzik may have to “blow up” the Jets roster to begin repairing the team.
brian.costello@nypost.com