FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Darrelle Revis did nothing to change his mercenary image.
Speaking to local reporters Friday for the first time since his surprise signing by the Patriots in March, Revis expressed excitement at joining the Jets’ bitter rival but also sounded every bit like the short-timer his contract sets him up to be.
“I’m on my career and my journey, and right now, I’m a New England Patriot,” Revis said after taking part in a voluntary on-field workout at Gillette Stadium. “And that’s that.”
The words “right now” were telling, because logic — and the salary cap — dictates the $20 million team option for 2015 in Revis’ deal means this will be the All-Pro cornerback’s lone season in a Patriots uniform.
Revis said all the right things Friday, deferring to his new teammates, welcoming the chance to play alongside Tom Brady instead of against him and even complimenting Bill Belichick — the same person he called a “jerk” on national TV just two years earlier.
“From the inside, it’s totally different,” Revis said. “There are things you didn’t expect from how this organization is [run], from top to bottom. You’ve got to take your hat off to [owner Robert] Kraft for how this organization operates. They want to be a winning organization, and I’m happy those guys gave me an opportunity to come in here and be a part of it.”
Revis, 28, also is grateful to the Patriots for rescuing him after one nightmarish (although well-compensated) season with Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers went 4-12, fired coach Greg Schiano and then cut Revis shortly after Lovie Smith took over.
Revis earned $16 million for his one year in Tampa — his magic salary number and the one that prompted his trade by the Jets — but it was the most difficult of his pro career because Revis was coming back from a torn ACL and even asked to play zone defense in Schiano’s scheme.
“Last year was a tough year when I played in Tampa Bay,” said Revis, who is scheduled to make $12 million this season. “It was tough coming off the ACL and everything, so it was a long year for me personally. I’m just trying to recover.”
Revis said his knee “feels great” and the only adjustments have been learning the Patriots’ defensive scheme and getting to know his teammates.
“I’m just trying to take this time to get to know the guys and for them to know me as well,” Revis said. “I’m not trying to come in here and step on anybody’s toes. I’m just trying to come in here and learn as much as I can and get this defensive scheme down.”
Revis also made it clear he isn’t thinking about the Jets, though he will face them at least twice this season.
“That’s in the past,” he said when asked about Gang Green.
Revis appears to have fit in quickly in the New England locker room. Several veterans ribbed him loudly Friday about the large contingent of reporters waiting to talk to him.
“He’s a great guy,” second-year wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins said of Revis.
The question remains whether Revis, who always has been outspoken with the media, will fall in line with Belichick’s famously strict “Patriot Way” policy of zipped lips in the locker room.
Revis laughingly claimed Belichick “lets guys be who they are” but said he will continue to speak his mind.
“Yeah, I’m being my own guy,” Revis said. “I’m going to be me. That’s all I can say. I’m going to be myself and go with the flow.”