The Darrelle Revis trade rumors will be one of the biggest stories of the offseason. The New York Jets don't seem to mind.
Jets owner Woody Johnson had a chance to deny reports that he wanted to trade New York's All-Pro cornerback. Johnson chose not to. One source told ESPNNewYork.com that Johnson already assumes Revis will leave in 2014. A CBS reports indicates a market is already forming. Let's break down his most likely suitors.
Early favorites
The next three names were mentioned by Mike Freeman as teams that are "highly interested" so they make a great starting point for the following irresponsible speculation and dot connecting:
Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks love physical cornerbacks who can play man coverage tight to the line of scrimmage. They weren't afraid to be bold in past moves. They are in the NFC, which should be an advantage. And Jets GM John Idzik has a close relationship with the Seahawks front office. Despite a strong pair of starting cornerbacks, this could be the most logical fit.
San Francisco 49ers:Jim Harbaugh's secondary isn't exactly thin, but the team could consider cutting Carlos Rogers if they added Revis.
Denver Broncos: John Elway is in win-now mode because of Peyton Manning's age and doesn't seem afraid to make a bold mood. With promising youngster Chris Harris in place, the Broncos would have a nice-looking secondary. Champ Bailey could potentially move to free safety.
Other possible fits
Green Bay Packers: Freeman references the Packers as a possibility mentioned by "league sources." Green Bay doesn't go out of "draft-and-develop" mode too often, but Charles Woodson and Ryan Pickett are notable exceptions.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Bucs showed last year they are willing to make a splash in free agency. There's a huge need at the position and plenty of cap space.
Kansas City Chiefs: The need and cap space isn't quite as big for Kansas City, but Andy Reid showed in his final years in Philadelphia that he was willing to go after the splashiest name available.
Cincinnati Bengals: This is probably a long shot, but the Bengals do have an extra second round pick. But would Revis consider signing long-term?
Washington Redskins: There's not a lot of cap room on paper, but that can be managed. Dan Snyder usually gets in the middle of action like this. Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen have the same history.
Not going to happen
Other factors
- Revis is coming off a torn ACL. This makes any potential trade a lot more complicated.
- It's hard to imagine any team trading Revis without working out a long-term deal with him. No one wants to trade picks for a one-year rental.
- Revis' contract prevents the Jets from using the franchise tag on him. It also essentially prevents Revis from holding out. If he holds out, Revis can't void the deal after 2013.
- The Jets owe Revis $1 million shortly after the new league year starts in March. Ideally, a potential trade would happen before that date.
Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.