NFL Free Agency: Would Cincinnati Bengals Pursue Darrelle Revis?

Nov 17, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 41-28. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Once the Tampa Bay Buccaneers do the unthinkable and cut one of the NFL’s best players, there is a chance the Cincinnati Bengals would at least put feelers out about a potential deal with Darrelle Revis, right?

While not known for big splashes on the market, the Bengals would at the bare minimum do their due diligence on the topic. Revis is a lock to be released, which was first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter:

We say “lock” because no team is dumb enough to make a move for Revis and his massive cap hit, especially armed with the knowledge he will hit the market. That said, a team may be willing to give up a ton of assets via trade if Revis is willing to restructure his contract, as NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport points out:

Speaking of the market, it is impossible to tell if a bidding war will drive up Revis’ price or not. It seems most teams are reluctant to spend mega cash these days with the only thing that really matters being the cap floor and so many rookies coming at a cheap cost thanks to the CBA.

But Revis is just more than a big name. He remains the best corner in football, as Pro Football Focus confirms (subscription required). While he is soon to be 29 years old, the market for his services will presumably be quite large.

In other words, do not expect much noise from the Bengals about interest. It is a question worth asking though, as Cincinnati appears set to lose both Michael Johnson and Anthony Collins to free agency despite wanting them back. The extra cap space may be there if they walk a tightrope.

Speaking of Johnson and Collins, their situation is the biggest piece of info to take away from all this Revis talk. The Buccaneers will save $16 million with Revis off the roster, and two of their top targets so far are Johnson and Collins.

It’s funny how these things have a way of working out. But Revis somehow making his way to Cincinnati as a result of the team losing its top two free agents would take an extremely risky move from a very conservative franchise. Don’t bet any cash on this one.