The Darrelle Revis watch has taken a critical turn.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday that the New England Patriots will not pick up the All-Pro cornerback's $20 million option for 2015, according to a source informed of the team's thinking.
The move leaves Revis free to speak with interested suitors come Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. Rapoport was told New England, though, will continue to negotiate with the Pro Bowl cover man who helped lead them to glory in Super Bowl XLIX.
If a new deal can't be reached, look for the rival Jets to doggedly pursue their former star defender. The New York Daily News reported last week that team owner Woody Johnson has been involved in "serious internal discussions" with Mike Maccagnan, pushing the newly christened Jets general manager to make a heavy push for Revis.
New England was never a guarantee to pick up Revis' enormous option. They already have plenty of money tied up in their secondary after re-signing safety Devin McCourty to a five-year, $47.5 million pact. The Patriots, meanwhile, reportedly have given cornerback Brandon Browner permission to explore his trade market league-wide.
History tells us that Revis is fond of the colossal payday. If this comes down to greenbacks, the Jets are in fine position to bring him "home." If one of the best defenders of our time, though, has grown more fond of playoff wins and Super Bowl rings, he'd be wise to stay tucked away in Foxborough.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast analyzes early free agency news, including Ndamukong Suh to Miami, Devin McCourty's new deal and much more. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.
