Skip to main content

Woody Johnson meddles with Darrelle Revis decision

A debate already has started in New York following Wednesday's news that the Jets will consider all options when it comes to cornerback Darrelle Revis' future: Should the Jets trade Revis?

There is a surprising amount of support for the idea, but that argument is missing the real story here: more Jets dysfunction. The headline of the original CBSSports.com story says it all: "Jets owner Woody Johnson to explore trading Darrelle Revis."

Apparently, Jerry Jones isn't the only owner dabbling as a general manager for his day job. This has to be troubling for Jets fans.

NFL.com's Albert Breer wrote: "Going back to discussions with general manager candidates, Jets owner Woody Johnson has expressed a need to figure out where the team is headed with Revis."

From Jason La Canfora: "Johnson has made it very clear he would like to pursue a means to reap rewards for Revis now, sources said, and it is likely to be an immediate part of Idzik's initial job duties."

This is the type of news that leaks out when a team interviews a number of GM candidates who don't actually want the job. Johnson is worried the Jets won't be able to re-sign Revis and wants options.

My questions: What other football men were in the room when these interviews took place? And why is Johnson dictating football decisions?

This is an owner who spoke not so long ago about about "keeping a spy" on Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Wattduring a game. There have been whispers over the years that Johnson meddles in football business, and that trend only seems to be growing. The Jets chose their GM with the help of a search firm rather than someone with a true football background.

New GM John Idzik is caught in the middle. He's dealing with a wary coach in Rex Ryan and an owner interested in getting rid of the team's best player. This is not a setup conducive to harmony. Oh, and Idzik's introductory news conference is Thursday morning at 11 a.m. ET.

Welcome to New York.

Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.