Darrelle Revis has been cleared for takeoff. Now, will he be taking off from the Jets?
The team’s star cornerback had an MRI exam on his surgically repaired left knee yesterday that showed he is ahead of schedule in his rehab and ready to run without any restrictions, according to a source, possibly clearing a hurdle for a potential trade.
Revis visited Dr. Russell Warren, the Giants team doctor and his surgeon, in New York yesterday morning and then drove to the Jets’ training center where he arrived just after 2 p.m., speeding past reporters in his Mini Cooper.
Revis met with the Jets doctors there and continued his rehab under the team’s watch, as general manager John Idzik insisted.
The Jets began their voluntary offseason workouts yesterday. Originally, Revis hoped to return to Arizona, where he has been rehabbing, until after next week’s NFL Draft to see if he remains on the Jets. But Idzik insisted Revis had to be here this week or forfeit his $3 million in bonus money.
It was the first time Revis was back in the Jets’ headquarters since the end of last season and his first chance to meet Idzik, who replaced Mike Tannenbaum in January.
Idzik has been trying to trade Revis since taking the job, entering serious talks with the Buccaneers last month. A trade is expected to happen in the days leading up to the draft, which begins on April 25.
With Revis getting a clean bill of health, maybe the trade will move along now. Sports Illustrated reported the Buccaneers are talking about trading a first-, third- and fifth-round pick to the Jets for Revis, but it is unclear which of those picks would be this year and which would be in 2014.
The Jets have already lost seven starters on defense this offseason. What kind of message will it send if they part with Revis, widely viewed as the best player on the team and one of the best players in the NFL?
Quarterback Mark Sanchez would not say what his feelings are about the possible trade.
“It’s not my call,” Sanchez said. “I think he’s a great player. I love him as a teammate. I love him as a friend. I don’t make those decisions.”
Idzik has danced around most of the questions about Revis this offseason. He gets another chance tomorrow when he meets the media for his predraft press conference. Don’t expect many answers, though.
Idzik has been guarded about everything since arriving.
Coach Rex Ryan did not speak to the media yesterday. He can’t be thrilled with what his defense has become and it could get worse if it loses Revis.
Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson is one of the remaining starters on the Jets defense. He said he is not worrying about the Revis trade since it is beyond his control.
“He’s a great guy on and off the field,” Wilkerson said. “I would love to have him as a teammate. That’s something I can’t control, though.
“At the end of the day, I wish him the best if he didn’t come back with us and I wish him the best wherever he is. And if he comes back, that’s a plus for us and I’m happy.”