Quick Change of Pace - the Revis Situation

Despite it's title, this blog was never intended to be solely about the Mets, especially when there would be Jets or Rangers business to discuss.  So let me just say that the Darrelle Revis situation makes me sick.  Revis is unquestionably an outstanding player, and hands down the most valuable player on the Jets.  However, his actions and his demands are flat out ridiculous, and if this is the person he is, let him go.


The heart of this problem is really the 3 year, $45.3 million deal the Raiders signed Nnamdi Asomugha to prior to the 2009 season.   Revis claimed today “It could be 50 cents more. Give me 50 cents more, and we’ll be OK," in response to a reporter's question of whether he'd be happy with a deal worth 1 dollar more than Asomugha's.  The issue Revis is clearly ignoring here is that Asomugha's deal absolutely crippled the Raiders cap-wise, and so he sits on a team that considered it a moral victory to get to 5-11 this year.  Based on statements Revis has made about Mangold, Ferguson, and Harris - who are also seeking new deals - it would seem that either he has no idea how the salary cap works, or he's just contradicting himself.  “It’s not just me. It’s a lot of guys,” Revis said. “They tell us we’re the core guys of this team, so why are you not treating us as one of the core guys?”  It seems Revis doesn't have the basic understanding that if the Jets are to pay him more than $15.3M a year, they won't have the money to surround him with other Pro-Bowl caliber veterans like Mangold, Ferguson, and Harris.  On top of that, what happens if all our dreams come true, and Shonn Greene carries his postseason momentum into a 1500 yard season this year?  You think he won't be asking for a new deal next spring?  It would appear Revis doesn't understand how a winning football team is constructed in a salary cap era, or worse, he doesn't care, and just wants to get paid.


For right now, we can all hope that Rex will work his magic on Revis, and convince him that the team is more important than his ego and desire to be the highest paid CB in the league.  Unfortunately, all signs are pointing away from this direction, and at that point, I say let him go, and get back what you can.  As great as Revis is, a successful defense is a unit, and I trust that Rex will adjust.  He took Chris McAlister and made him into an All-Pro, and he can do the same with Lowery, Cromartie, or a player yet to be drafted.  No player is more important than the team, and if Revis can't learn that lesson, let him follow in the footsteps of TO, DeAngelo Hall, and the rest; players who had the chance to be more than solo artists but wouldn't allow their egos and wallets to sacrifice for the good of the team.   I just hope it doesn't have to come to that.