Why Revis Will Return Sooner Than Later

Despite a flurry of reports over the past few days that a Darrelle Revis contract is near, it once again appears that the two sides are far apart, however that does not mean a deal won't come. Whether or not the rumblings, rumors, tweets and "sources" are have any merit, I suspect that a peace treaty is near and Revis will be in camp before the regular season begins, and yes, when it happens, it is OK to cry in happiness (or sadness if the Jets are on your favorite team's schedule this season.

Let's be clear, I have no sources or inside information, but at the end of the day the league's best corner will have to fold, unless of course, the Jets do first. While what he wants and what the Jets are offering may never be the same thing, the Jets offer will always be the highest he can get, and any offer is worth more if you don't miss regular season games.

Keep in mind a few things here, like it or not, Revis is under contract for three years including 2010. The Jets don't have to trade him and as long as he holds out, it barely costs them a thing. Certainly they won't trade him before or during this season because there isn't the risk of losing him at season's end to free agency anytime soon.

Lets say that Revis sits out all of 2010 (It pains me to write this), we've all heard the prospect of an uncertain labor outlook and a possible lockout in 2011. If a lockout were to occur (and many believe it will), Revis runs the risk of being off the field for two years and through it all, still being under contract with the Jets.

In that scenario, even if the Jets decide to trade or release him what is the likelihood of him getting top dollar? What will top dollar even look like at the start of the 2012 season? One thing we know about the NFL is that players get paid on performance. This is a 'what have you done for me lately?' league, that's why Revis is lobbying for a new contract, and that's why the same contract won't be there in the future. No owner or GM in their right mind would give a then 27 year old cornerback who hasn't defended a pass in two seasons a 7 year, $140 million contract (that's what one of the Jets offers is estimated at), no matter what he did in 2009.

Believe me folks, the Revis agents are aware of this. They also know that coming off of last season, one of the finest (and most hyped) seasons for an NFL cornerback in quite some time, now is their chance to bargain and get the best possible deal.

That best deal has to come from the Jets, and Revis knows it. It's just a matter of what that contract offer is at the last possible moment to sign. One side will fold, but if the Jets don't, Revis will have to.