How much would you sell an island for?
That is what Jets general manager John Idzik must decide as the team and the Buccaneers continue to discuss a trade for Jets superstar Darrelle Revis, a.k.a Revis Island.
According to league sources, Idzik has not been clear with what he wants exactly in return for Revis. The Post reported earlier this week that Tampa Bay was losing patience with the Jets as negotiations have stalled.
Sports Ilustrated reported yesterday the Buccaneers may be willing to send their first- and second-round picks in the 2014 NFL Draft to the Jets in exchange for Revis, but the Jets would like Tampa’s first-round pick in next month’s draft. But according to a source, Idzik has not even been clear if including a package with the No. 13 pick next month is enough to get a deal done.
Negotiations between the two sides did not advance at this week’s league meetings in Arizona, according to a source. SI reported the Jets want this year’s first-round pick (No. 13) from the Buccaneers as well as a pick in next years’ draft.
Jets owner Woody Johnson denied actively shopping Revis this week, but it is clear Johnson has made a decision that he can’t afford to keep Revis long-term. That leaves Idzik with trying to deal Revis before he becomes a free agent next year.
Complicating matter is Revis’ health. He had left knee surgery five months ago and is not expected to start running until next month.
Any team that trades for Revis will need to agree to a long-term deal to him before making the trade, but sources said the Buccaneers are prepared to hit Revis’ asking price, believed to be $15-16 million per year.
It would make some sense for Idzik to take the picks in next year’s draft. The 2013 season already looks lost and the Jets likely will win very few games.
That could lead to coach Rex Ryan getting fired and quarterback Mark Sanchez getting jettisoned. If the Jets stockpile picks in the 2014 Draft they can draft a quarterback and address the number of other needs they will have. The team should get a few compensatory picks next year after allowing free agents Mike DeVito, Shonn Greeene, LaRon Landry, Dustin Keller and Yeremiah Bell to leave already and more likely to leave.