Ripples from the Splash of Revis' Trade

After long talks and a few bumps in the road, cornerback Darelle Revis signed a six-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Revis passed Tampa Bay’s physical check, but it’s not clear how healthy he will be coming into the season. However, if Revis is able to play at his customary high level at any point, the Bucs backfield will be very imposing. No matter what, this trade will have league-wide implications. Let’s see who will be affected by the ripples of this splash.

First in line is the NFC South, one of the league’s most pass-happy divisions. Back in the AFC East, Revis’ only real challenge of a quarterback was Tom Brady, even though he’ll be happy to be rid of Bills receiver Stevie Johnson and ex-Patriot Wes Welker, who always seemed to be his kryptonite. Revis will now face the likes of Drew Brees/Marques Colston, Matt Ryan/Roddy White, and Cam Newton/Steve Smith twice a year. These new rivals will be a tough test of the veteran corner’s skills, as well as a challenge for the elite quarterbacks within that division. Revis’ presence as the humble, strong leader he’s always been will be a great benefit to the young, maturing Bucs, especially in a backfield that includes young talents like Mark Barron and Eric Wright, and new signee Dashon Goldson. (sidenote: the young safety Barron currently wears number 24, I wonder what Revis will have to do to lure him away from it?)

Tom Brady and the AFC East will also be beneficiaries of this trade, excluding the Jets of course. Revis has been a thorn in the Patriot’s side for years now, and as a fan myself I’m not sad to see him go. The timing of Revis’ departure could not have been better, as Tom Brady will be trying to build chemistry with Danny Amendola and his overhauled receiving corps. The Bills will also appreciate the corner’s absence, coming into the season with a new head coach and questions to answer at the quarterback position (now that their film staff finally turned over all the tape and they released Ryan Fitzpatrick). As for the Dolphins, Ryan Tannehill is probably throwing a party right now.

The Jets will receive their own category here, mainly because I think they deserve something with all the mediocrity in their coming future. With Revis gone, there really are no bright spots on New Jersey’s roster (yes, New Jersey Jets. Just call them what they are). Antonio Cromartie isn’t completely talentless, but much of his success stemmed for quarterbacks’ unwillingness to throw in the direction of Revis, like Larry Brown playing across from Deion Sanders. On the bright side, New Jersey received Tampa Bay’s 2013 first round pick and a conditional pick in 2014. The first round pick (#13) could be used to acquire a young playmaker like Alabama’s Dee Milliner or Washington’s Desmond Trufant. Unfortunately for the Jets, the addition of one or two good players will not save this nose-diving team. Obviously Tebow could save this whole situation, but since Pudgy McPudge III won’t give him a chance, the draft is their next best chance.

Long story short, this trade will have implications that we will continue to see throughout the season. Revis’ arrival immediately makes the rising Bucs better and his old friends in the AFC East won’t miss him. Hopefully this will not deter Tampa Bay from re-signing veteran Ronde Barber, who has certainly earned the right to leave the game on his own terms. Now let’s all join Tim Tebow in a short prayer for the Jet’s season.