Don’t Expect Washington Redskins To Make Play For Darrelle Revis

It’s no secret that the New York Jets are shopping star cornerback Darrelle Revis, and though the Redskins could certainly use an upgrade at corner, don’t expect them to be players.

August 30, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) shown on the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Redskins currently sit $4.7-million above the cap, and with free agents including Lorenzo Alexander and Fred Davis set to hit the open market, they have their own players to worry about. Alexander, a captain on the 2012 NFC East champions, and Davis, who was leading the team in receiving yards before suffering his season-ending injury, will both command substantial salaries in 2013. If the Redskins hope to bring those two back, and also improve on the offensive line and/or defensive backfield, adding Revis’ contract to payroll just isn’t a possibility.

Revis is set to be a $9-million cap hit in 2013, the final year of his current contract. Any trade between the Jets and Redskins would leave the Redskins at $13.7-million over the cap even before signing a single free agent or drafting a single player in April. On top of that, Washington currently lacks a first-round draft choice after last year’s trade to acquire the second overall pick from St. Louis, and trading for Revis would only hamper this year’s draft plans even further.

If those reasons aren’t enough, keep in mind Revis’ injury history and contract status; they go hand-in-hand. Revis missed most of last season with an ACL injury, and is set to be a free agent after the 2013 season. When healthy, he’s perhaps the best cover corner in the league, and will command an overwhelming contract likely in the 4-5 year range. Washington can’t afford to handcuff itself for an injury-prone player, and shouldn’t with Revis.