Buffalo Bills: Would Rex Ryan Consider Pursuing Darrelle Revis?
Buffalo Bills: Would Rex Ryan Consider Pursuing Darrelle Revis?
With former New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan now fully in charge of the Buffalo Bills, the team can focus on the upcoming free agency period and how they plan to build a winner around Ryan’s vision.
Led by a strong defence, but uncertainty at the quarterback position, this Bills roster shapes up like many of his past Jets team’s. The main difference though is the offensive coaches Ryan has brought with him to Buffalo.
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Offensive coordinator Greg Roman and quarterbacks coach David Lee should inject some creativity into the Bills offence, particularly in the trenches. But as always, the quarterback position remains a huge question mark. So much so that speculation of a possible reunion between former Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez and Rex Ryan is being viewed as an option for the Bills.
However, a more compelling possibility is a reunion of cornerback Darrelle Revis and his old coach Rex Ryan. It is no secret how much Ryan loved Revis in New York, and even though the Jets traded Revis, he has expressed no ill will towards Ryan.
Although Revis is conditionally under contract with the Patriots next season, they must decide if picking up his option at $25 million, compared to $7 million this season, is worth it for them.
The $25 million cap hit is a hefty number for any team, let alone one like the Patriots. But as one of the league’s elite cornerbacks, the Patriots might just pay the big bucks needed to keep Revis in Foxborough.
Oct 26, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) gestures to the crowd during the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
But if Revis does hit free agency for the second straight year, could Ryan and the Bills lure him to Western New York? Based off of their projected cap space next season, they certainly have the available funds too.
The Bills are projected to have $25.6 million in cap space this offseason, which is more than enough space needed to make an offer to Revis, especially with the quarterback class being sub par at best.
The projected salary cap could change though, as it is more of a fluid number than a concrete one. However, with the cornerback position consisting of Stephon Gilmore, Corey Graham and Leodis McKelvin, the Bills do not necessarily have a glaring need for Revis.
McKelvin and Graham are under contract for the next two seasons, and are still young at 29 years old. Gilmore is only 24 years old, but is entering a contract year next season. Plus, Pro Bowl defensive linemen Marcell Dareus is due for a contract extension next season too.
Of course, the team also needs to address their quarterback situation, since EJ Manuel is only under team control for the next two seasons. Despite his poor play, you still must account for his future salary when trying to sign a player like Revis.
Although free agency is still two months away, speculation about a possible Revis-Ryan reunion is bound to surface once free agency draws near. Regardless of whether it is a true position of need or not, it is still an intriguing idea to think about for Bills’ fans.