The Revis Rumor

Posted: March 10th, 2013 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 55 Comments »

Jeff McLane unloaded a very interesting item this morning in a column where he argues the Eagles should go after Jets CB Darrelle Revis.

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“There’s already a rumor brewing in certain NFL circles that Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has been crunching the numbers and putting together an offer to bring the 27-year-old Revis to Philadelphia.”

Focus on the key word there:  rumor.

If you know Howie Roseman’s personality, you know there is a likelihood he’s investigated going after Revis.  Howie is a very aggressive person.  He’s not afraid to take risks.  Revis, when healthy, is an elite player and difference-maker.  There are only a handful of guys like him in the whole league.  If one is available, you have to at least explore the idea.

I’m sure that people around the league think Howie has strongly considered going after Revis.  It makes sense based on who he is, on who Revis is, and on how bad the Eagles secondary was in 2012.

The question here is whether Howie ever went beyond the distant planning stages.  I think anyone who scribbles down mock drafts or FA plans has imagined a scenario where the Eagles get Revis.  Actually putting a plan into action is a very different thing.  Why?  Resources.

The Eagles would not just be sinking money into Revis.  If this was just a matter of cost, I’d be screaming from the mountain tops to go sign the guy.  Unfortunately you have to trade for Revis.  And the Jets aren’t going to settle for Nick Foles, Nnamdi, and a box of TastyKakes.  They want high draft picks…as in multiple.  Would you trade this year’s 1st and next year’s 2nd for Revis?  I don’t know exactly what the price would be, but there would be a 1st rounder and another high pick involved.

Because of the state of the Eagles secondary, I’m not making that deal.  Revis would give us a great cornerback, but he would not solve the secondary’s problems.  We need to add talent in the draft and free agency.  We have multiple spots to fill.  Revis makes more sense for a secondary that needs a boost and not an overhaul.

If I could somehow work out a trade of Nick Foles and a 2nd round pick for him, I’d do that.  I just can’t imagine a scenario where the Jets would go for that.  I’m willing to give up a pick, but don’t want to use multiple high picks.  This team has too many holes.  We’re not a player away from being title contenders.  Would the Jets trade Revis straight up for #4?  That would be tempting.  That might be a deal I could live with.

Is it possible that Howie feels different and will roll the dice?  Sure.  The right veteran player can have a transcendent affect on a team.  The Packers had a mediocre defense before Reggie White got there. Starting in 1993, they had 6 straight outstanding years.  Look at Charles Woodson and the current Packers.  Rodney Harrison joined the Pats in 2003.  They won consecutive SBs with him and had a Top 2 scoring defense in 3 of his first 4 seasons there.

Obviously the X-factor in all of this is the status of his knee. Revis has a torn ACL.  We hear reports that he’s ahead of schedule, but that could be rumors leaked by his agent.  The Eagles doctors would have to check Revis out thoroughly and believe that he’s going to be all the way back.  CB is a tough position for a torn ACL.  You make dynamic cuts 30 or more times a game.  You must have elite agility and change-of-direction ability to be an elite CB.

The other consideration is that you would need to know how to use Revis.  Call this the “Nnamdi lesson”.  You don’t just acquire a great player and then shoehorn him into a system.  You need to build the system around the player.  Rex Ryan is one of the best minds in the NFL when it comes to devising coverage schemes.  He knew how to use Revis for maximum effect.  Bill Davis is a veteran coach and would probably have a solid plan, but again…you want maximum results.  I’d talk to him at great length to make sure he knew exactly what to do with Revis.  The thought of getting another top corner and watching him play in a strange system would make my head explode, Scanners style.

I don’t think the Eagles will make a move for Revis.  I’m okay with Howie making some phone calls to see what the price is and trying to figure out if it could work.  I just don’t think the cost matches our situation. We don’t need cornerback help.  We need cornerbacks help.

* * * * *

Reports from the Bay area say DL Ricky Jean-Francois is an Eagles target.  Here’s my take.

* * * * *

Former Eagles scout Daniel Jeremiah said on Twitter last night that he thinks the Eagles could go after a couple of Niners FAs.  He specifically mentioned S Dashon Goldson, Ricky Jean-Francois, and DL Isaac Sopoaga.  The first couple I get.  Sopoaga will turn 32 in September.  Maybe he would be here on a short deal, but I would think SF might want to keep him if he’s willing to sign a short deal.

Really curious to see if this SF-PHI thing is just speculation or these are viable rumors among NFL insiders.

_

  • http://twitter.com/EaglesPride_ Aleandro green

    it doesnt bother you that he wants a pay raise like every summer?

    • TommyLawlor

      Yes, it does. That’s another reason I’m less than gung ho for him.

      • RC5000

        Didn’t you say you wanted to trade the 2nd round pick (1st rounder essentially and you could trade up or down with it) AND Foles?! And you aren’t even gung ho?

  • GermanEagle

    I don’t think the Eagles would have to give up more than our first round pick for Revis (by the way I totally forgot that he’s only 27!). IF he really is all the way back from the injury, then both the Jets and the Eagle would be stupid to NOT make the trade of the #4 straight up. Revis >>> Milliner

    • TommyLawlor

      Problem is that you won’t know he’s all the way back (or not) until the season starts. Guessing on his health prior to that. Educated guesses by great doctors, but guesses nonetheless. You need to see him in action to truly know.

      • GermanEagle

        True. But normally the chances of getting an elite player via trade or free agency are pretty low. That’s why this gamble is indeed high risk, but also high reward to me!!!

        • MichaelFloyd84

          Why is the reward so high? We get a great CB for a few years, but still a below average defense. Then by the time the rest of the team is good again, Revis is mighty expensive and slowing down. No thanks.

        • RC5000

          We don’t need elite vets at cb coming off acl surgery. We need to stop this dream mentality and concentrate on building a young team. It’s okay to get a reasonable fa but giving up young assets for high risk, no

    • RC5000

      Revis 28 by the time he is ready. 29 next season when he is fully back. He isn’t worth a 2nd rnd pick, as said he is high risk. Plus you will need cbs who can start as a backup plan.

  • austinfan

    Revis makes no sense because of the money. He’s not going to be 100% in 2013, he had to be signed to a huge contract to keep him around in 2014 and beyond.

    Given the multiple needs, the fact that QB is far from settled, and that Chip hasn’t even installed his schemes or determined who is a good fit, it’s crazy to sink a lot of resources in one player who isn’t a QB. And frankly, elite CBs are overrated in terms of value, you can scheme around a CB with today’s multiple receiver formations much easier than you can scheme around an elite safety or DT.

    The presumption is the Eagles have oddles of money to spend, but remember every serious contract for a player in 2013 comes off the 2014 cap, which isn’t expected to rise, and probably 2015, which isn’t expected to rise that much (because of money diverted to retirement and medical funds).

    $40M minus $12M for Revis minus $7M for rookies minus $10M carry forward for 2014 (because you want to retain cap room for free agents next year when Chip has a better idea what he needs to build a playoff team) = $11M. Not a lot to fill numerous holes going into the draft.

    Now throw in draft picks, uncertainty about the knee (yes, ACL recovery is a much higher probability event than a decade ago, but not 100%), and Revis’ prima donna nature (how does that play on a young team). Pass.

    Most of the rumors have nothing based in reality, they’re speculation by reporters based on connections, Gamble = SF free agents, CB need means Eagles must be interested in Smith and Revis, and so on. You’ll be hearing the Eagles mentioned a lot because they have $40M to spend, so agents will drop their name as a possible destination to up the offers to their clients.

    Howie talks to everyone, that’s his job, he’d be irresponsible if he didn’t talk the to Jets and Revis’ agent, and find out the cost. Doesn’t mean he has serious interest, it’s his job to kick the tires on a lot of used cars.

    • GermanEagle

      I can see where you coming from, but we’re not talking about ‘any’ player who is nice to have. We’re talking about arguably one of the best cover corners in the last 10 years. If you can get an elite player at a ‘reasonable’ price you should definitely consider it. What is reasonable that’s the question. However I tend to agree with Anders that you may get Revis without giving up the #4 overall. Maybe the Eagles can trade back and then get Revis ‘cheaper’?!

      • austinfan

        He makes sense for a team like SF, which can pay him instead of Goldson and Rogers, and have the draft picks to make a deal and still draft a couple safeties.

        CBs just aren’t important enough on defense if you don’t have the other players, while as GB, Pittsburgh and the Ravens have shown, average CBs are fine if you have a top S and a solid front seven.

        Broncos had some putrid defenses after trading for Champ Bailey, who at his peak was as good as Revis.

        In 2003, they were 9th in points, 4th in yards before CB
        (Kelly Herndon and Lenny Walls were the CBs)
        In 2004, they were 9th in points, 4th in yards after CB
        In 2005, they were 3rd in points, 15th in yards
        In 2006, they were 8th in points, 14th in yards
        In 2007, they were 28th in points, 19th in yards
        (Bailey was 29 years old, and still a pro bowl player)
        In 2008, they were 30th in points, 29th in yards
        (Bailey was injured, missed 7 starts)
        In 2009, they were 12th in points, 7th in yards
        In 2010, they were 32nd in points, 32nd in yards

        Point is the best CB in the NFL was not the reason they had a good, or bad, defense.

      • RC5000

        I’m squeamish giving up the 3rd round pick much less what these writers want to give up. We need to think about getting more picks and youth not giving up young assets for a veteran coming off ACL surgery that you need to have an alternative plan for anyway. and you want to commit high dollars and hope he doesn’t reinjure it, have swelling during the season.
        Also your secondary is only as good as your front seven so fortify the defense with some free agents and the draft and don’t give up young assets.

  • Anders

    I think Revis can be had for less then a 1st.

    • TommyLawlor

      If so, that might change things.

      • RC5000

        I wouldn’t give up anything of value for a player in rehab you need to sign to a huge contract, it’s totally desperate. We need young, healthy players. Reasonable contracts for 28-29 year olds if you’re going with vets.

  • http://www.facebook.com/bill.muller.71 Bill Muller

    Stay away Howie.bad knee,big bucks and your future equals a recipe for failure

    • TommyLawlor

      High risk, but also potentially high reward.

      • RC5000

        You don’t build a team that way trading away young assets, paying Nnamdi money for a CB not close to 100% for a CB turning 28.

  • Mark823

    I would pass on Revis as well, get back to building through the draft. It doesn’t make sense to give up a boatload of picks especially when the draft is considered very deep.

  • thedtrain12

    I’m a salesmen for tastykakes. Pretty sure an extra box of krimpets would get a deal done

    • ICDogg

      Has to be the Butterscotch. No deal if it’s the Jelly.

      • TommyLawlor

        Butterscotch are phenomenal.

    • http://www.facebook.com/matthew.verhoog Matthew Verhoog

      Sweet.

  • ICDogg

    Too high stakes for me. I don’t mind taking a chance on an injured player, but I’m not spending that much in trade for him.

    One Andrew Bynum in this town is enough.

    • SleepingDuck

      Me and other Lakers fan friends laugh whenever Bynum makes headlines.

      • Anders

        It seems to me that the Lakers version of Dream team aint doing to well .

        • SleepingDuck

          No question about that, but they’re finally starting to play better and are .5 game out of 8th seed.

          • http://www.facebook.com/justin.sengstock.7 Justin Sengstock

            As an Orlando Magic fan, I hope the Lakers’ “Dream Team” works out as well as ours did. Female hygiene products should be renamed “Dwight bags.”

        • Neil

          hahaha anders hit this duck on the head :(

  • ICDogg

    Ricky Jean-Francois would be a member of the “All Jean Team”, joining Max Jean-Gilles, Nicolas Jean-Baptiste, and Lestar Jean.

    • TommyLawlor

      Strangest and maybe best thing I’ve read all day. Kudos.

    • the midatlantic

      You forgot Billie Jean

  • ACViking

    Re: “Howie is a very aggressive person.”

    T-Law:

    Would you feel comfortable giving us a breakdown of 5 “aggressive” moves HR’s made that you’d argue have worked and 5 similarly “aggressive” moves that did not.

    I understand that Jeff Lurie says HR’s responsible for only the 2012 draft — which may likewise mean he’s responsible for off-season moves only since prior to the 2012 draft (like extending Cole, Herremans, and D-Jax). Which, if true, gave HR lots of room — and the safety net of “Andy makes the final call” — to be aggressive.

    So I’m just wondering what aggressive moves are out there, good and not so good, that HR owns . . . and cannot be put at Reid’s feet.

    Hopefully, at least 5 of each so we get some sense of a boundary when HR’s “aggressiveness” is being discussed.

    • TommyLawlor

      Let me think about that.

  • holeplug

    If Revis wasn’t coming off a torn ACL it would be a more interesting debate but its not worth the risk since you will have to give up draft picks AND pay him a ridiculous amount of money (he wants what Mario Williams got around $50 million guaranteed) for his next contract. No way in hell they should give up the 4th pick in the draft though.

    • RC5000

      You don’t give up much of anything for Revis. It’s just another silly idea by the awful Philly beat writers.

  • Mitchell

    I am of the opinion that dion Jordan in the next couple years will be more of an impact player than revis, so I would be the first round pick. Speaking of Jordan, is he comparable to anyone in te league with all the things he can do? I’ve heard similar to Aldon smith but can smith cover te’s in addition to rush?

  • ACViking

    I can’t think of a single SB winner where conventional opinion was “LCB [insert name] led this team all season all the way to the title.”

    (The 2010 Packers had Charles Woodson and T-Williams, in the midst of a career year, but it seems to me the difference maker on defense was Matthews coupled with QB Rodgers on a role. In ’94 and ’95, Deion Sanders sold his services as a FA to the 49ers and next the Cowboys, each winning a SB . . . but those were already great teams.)

    CBs are just so isolated and can, in a 3- or 4-receiver set, be taken out of the game.

    Not true of a great DL. A dominant 3-down MLB. Or even a impact safety.

    Leave the CB. Take the picks.

    • Anders

      “A dominant 3-down MLB”

      I dont think a dominant MLB is of much worth now a days. As you said, against a 3 /4 sets he isnt of much use.

      I do think safeties are undervalued, because a dominant safety can have such a big impact on the defense.

  • http://www.facebook.com/bill.muller.71 Bill Muller

    tommy is this type of knee injury more of a concern because of the position revis plays?. when considering recovery and trading for him

    • TommyLawlor

      Definitely. ACLs are what help you cut and make quick moves. Critical part of playing CB.

  • Sifter

    Sopoaga would be a nice veteran to pair with a young DT eg. Star. I’d support moving for him, just to get more experience on the line.

    Just on trades…Jeremy Maclin is a guy I think we could dangle in trade talks – to WR hungry teams that have a lot of picks like the 49ers or Dolphins, or to the Jets in a Revis package. Only 1 year left on the contract, and has generally been disappointing. Won’t fit Chip Kelly’s scheme particularly well – just for his poor run blocking alone as much as anything. But for buyers, Maclin still has that new car smell: he’s a high draft pick, only played for 1 team, hasn’t even turned 25 yet.

    Then the Eagles can draft/sign a WR that fits the scheme better. Avant is a good 3rd WR in my opinion (maybe more) and DeSean showed up pretty consistently last year. One more guy who is versatile enough to play outside or inside would finish it off.

    • http://twitter.com/makarov__ Songbird Rescue Cat

      My 2013 off-season fantasy is trading Maclin for something like a high 2nd and signing Mike Wallace in FA.

  • xeynon

    Way back when, signing Nnamdi to a big money contract was a “no brainer” move. How’d that work out?

    Yes, Revis is younger, but he’s also coming off an ACL injury. Even if he makes a full recovery, he’s likely still only got 2-3 prime years left. Multiple high picks plus $50 million guaranteed is a lot to give up for a player who will not put us over the top (and make no mistake, he won’t – this team has too many holes to have a realistic shot at winning it all next season, and with all the resources we’d have to surrender to get Revis, it’s likely we’d still have too many holes in 2014).

    No, no, no, no, no. We should not be making any trades along these lines until we have 1.)a franchise quarterback in place, 2.)a settled OL situation, 3.)at least two high-level front 7 pieces that fit our new defense (Cox looks like one, but we still need one more), and 4.)two competent starters in the secondary. Paying what we’d have to pay for Revis right now is like paying top dollar for a handmade silk tie when you don’t have anything but faded t-shirts covered with barbecue sauce stains to wear it over.

    There is smart aggressive (e.g. bringing in young ascending players who can compliment the nucleus you’ve already begun building, as Reid did when he signed Runyan, Emmons, etc.) and there is dumb aggressive (e.g. everything Dan Snyder did for the first ten years he owned the Redskins). I am hoping that Howie is not dumb aggressive.

    • A_T_G

      Great analogy with the tie and teeshirt.

  • Erik Richardson

    Haven’t we had enough of the “Good to Great players coming off injuries” signings with this team?

  • TrentColeHamels

    Tommy, I don’t mean to get off topic, but I’m starting to think that Shariff Floyd might make the most sense for the Eagles at 4 if he’s still there. There was a point last year, about 4 or 5 weeks before the draft where you came at out and said that Fletcher Cox was now your #1 target for the birds. I just started thinking the same about Shariff. I think if you put him at the 5 technique paired with fletcher at the 3 technique you’ll have a strong pair if DEs for a long time.

    What do you think?

    • TommyLawlor

      You can make a strong case for Floyd. He and Cox could be a dynamic duo. Both guys can get after the QB. Both are strong and can play the run. Would be an excellent foundation for the defense.

  • Anders

    Tommy, could you see us re-signing Derek Landri to add depth for the 5 tech and 3 tech position?

    • austinfan

      No. Far too small for this system. Good fit for the wide nine, not Davis’ 4-3 under scheme. And I think like a lot of players with limited talent, he’s approaching his expiration date.

    • TommyLawlor

      I love Landri, but he doesn’t fit the new scheme. Likely gone.

  • xlGmanlx

    Juice isn’t worth the squeeze

  • TommyLawlor

    I’ve got a few evening updates posted.

    http://eaglesblog.net/

  • D3Keith

    Mikellllllll