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Florham Park – “Interested” is a subjective word when it comes to free agency. It all depends on how you care to define it . . .
Darrelle Revis told SNY that the Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens were among teams interested in signing him.
Perhaps he’s trying to deflect attention away from the tampering investigation precipitated by the New England Patriots.
But this really doesn’t paint an entirely accurate picture of the landscape.
What does “interested” mean in the context of free agency?
It’s almost like me saying, “I’m interested in owning a mansion on the beach in Florida.”
I can be interested all I want, but it’s not going to happen, unless I win the lottery.
Were those teams “interested” in signing Revis?
Absolutely.
Yeah, but not for anywhere near the $39 million in guaranteed money the Jets gave him.
I think you understand that point I’m making here.
It all depends how you view the word “interested.”
Baltimore, Kansas City and Pittsburgh didn’t have the cap space to be in the conversation.
I saw a headline on an NFL news website, based on this quote from Revis on SNY, that read – “Revis had many suitors.”
Don’t agree.
Based on the number Revis’ agents tossed out through their surrogates in the media, stating that $40 million guaranteed was the target, the Jets were the only legitimate suitor, in this ballpark . . .
Early this week, the Jets signed 6-6, 300 pound offensive tackle Corey Hilliard, who has had stints with New England, Indianapolis, Cleveland and Detroit.
They also signed former Giants offensive tackle James Brewer, but at this point, he can’t be considered more than camp fodder. The Giants had many offensive line issues and needs the last few years, and he wasn’t able to help them, with opportunities galore.
The Hilliard signing is more significant.
I read one NFL blogger, who I respect, describe this signing as “a depth move.”
I don’t totally agree.
Hilliard was a really establishing himself as a legitimate starting right tackle before suffering a foot injury early last season.
The Lions kept this guy around for five seasons. They liked his talent. If it wasn’t for the foot injury last year, he’d probably still be there.
He’s coming off a Lis Franc injury, which is pretty serious, so the Lions moved on.
If he can overcome this, and he’s pretty far along in his rehab, keep an eye on this signing.
I don’t think this is just a depth move. He is a legitimate challenger to Breno Giacomini for the Jets’ starting right tackle job.
The new regime has no allegiance to Giacomini, who was good, not great last year.
Giacomini is tough and very strong, and did have some solid games for the Jets last year, but he is somewhat stiff athletically (it’s not his fault – it’s how he’s configured), and was stressed by athletic rushers last year.
Hilliard is a little more athletic than Giacomini.
Todd Bowles isn’t going to just give Breno the starting job because the old regime gave him decent money last year. That isn’t going to happen. It’s not how Todd is wired.
This Hilliard-Giacomini battle is going to be interesting.
March 26, 2015
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