Jets coach says failed Darrelle Revis reunion was 'good idea'
The Jets reunion with Darrelle Revis might have ended miserably, but Todd Bowles doesn't regret signing the cornerback to a blockbuster five-year, $70 million deal two years ago.
"I think it was a good idea," Bowles said Thursday at the Scouting Combine. "I think it was a good call at the time. Obviously, he didn't play as well this year. Neither did anybody else. But he's a good football player. And that doesn't bother me at all."
Revis pocketed $39 million for his two years of service, which might be one of the all-time heists in Jets history. The fading star cornerback morphed from great to ghoulish by the time his second stint was the Jets was over.
He was routinely beaten by marginal receivers, gave highly questionable and inconsistent effort, while direct-depositing Woody Johnson's money into his bank account. There's little doubt that Revis, who will turn 32 this summer, will never return to the top of the mountaintop, but Bowles predictably took the high road about his former player's future at cornerback.
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"I don't know," Bowles said about whether Revis could still play cornerback at a high level. "He probably can. Revis can do anything he puts his mind to, I'm sure."
Bowles admitted that the Jets had discussions about moving Revis to safety before informing him this week that they will officially release him when the new league begins on March 9. The Jets will save $9.3 million on the salary cap, but will owe Revis the $6 million in guarantees as part of his 2017 salary. (They will be on the hook for less if Revis signs elsewhere).
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Bowles said that the divorce had nothing to with Revis' ongoing legal issues stemming from a fight on a Pittsburgh street corner a few weeks ago. Revis, who is facing four felony charges, is scheduled to have a preliminary hearing on March 15.
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"It's shocking, because I know the man," Bowles said about the incident. "Forget the football player. I know the man. I know he's a good character (guy) and a good guy. Sometimes you get caught in situations that things happen. I don't really know what happened or whose fault (it was)."
The Jets don't have to care anymore.
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