Jets Preparing to Play Without Darrelle Revis
The clock keeps ticking as New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis continues his holdout, in search of a long-term contract that would make him the league’s highest paid player at his position.
After holding out for over a week, the Jets are preparing for the possibility of playing without Revis as they approach the preseason, and possibly the beginning of the season: "We're going to prepare like he's not going to be here," Coach Rex Ryan said. "If he comes through the door, that's fine. Somebody will kiss him on the lips, probably. But the guys that are here, those are the guys we're getting ready for the season."
That was the first time Ryan acknowledged the possibility of Revis holding out for an extended period of time. Revis has three years remaining on his contract and was due to make $1 million this year. Most would agree that his production merits a higher salary, but while the two sides have discussed a new contract, they are reportedly still far apart.
Revis’ agents and Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum met over the weekend as the agents made an offer to Tannenbaum and they are waiting for a response.
Revis is paying a price, literally, for not being in training camp. Every day he misses, he must pay a fine of over $16,000, and if he’s not in camp by August 10th, by NFL rules, he won’t be credited for an accrued season in 2010. That would mean he’d have to wait an extra year before he qualifies for free agency.
According to sources, that won’t affect Revis’ decision. He’s set on his stance and will simply not come back until he receives a new deal to his satisfaction.
Ryan has said that Revis would be in his starting line-up for the season opener even if he showed up the day before, but now he has retracted that statement, saying it was only a playful remark.
In case Revis is not with the team, their contingency plan is for newly acquired Antonio Cromartie to take Revis’ spot at left cornerback. They will leave the right-corner spot open amongst candidates. Right now, first-round draft pick Kyle Wilson is practicing in that open spot with the first-team defence.
The Jets were being picked by many to win the Super Bowl this year, but without a player as valuable as Darrelle Revis, their chances may be hurt in a tough AFC East division.
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