Philadelphia should consider taking a look at Darrelle Revis
As the Eagles sit with an inexperienced secondary, should they consider signing veteran cornerback Darrelle Revis?
The Philadelphia Eagles have wrapped up minicamp, and players have gone home for the month. When the team returns to the NovaCare Complex in July, they’ll be practicing in full pads twice a day. Although this team has had a relatively successful off-season, their status at cornerback is still a big question mark. Could veteran cornerback Darrelle Revis be in the Eagles’ thought process?
Just a couple months back, the Eagles were rumored to be in trade talks with the Seattle Seahawks to acquire Richard Sherman. The trade never went down as the price tag was too high for the 29-year-old. Former New York Jets corner back Revis may be 31-years old, but he isn’t much older than Patrick Robinson, who’s also 29.
The current state of affairs:
When the Eagles signed Robinson, it was clear they were looking to sign an experienced veteran at the position. They felt they couldn’t completely rely on second-year veteran, Jalen Mills and rookie Rasul Douglas. Similar to the Leodis Mckelvin signing a season ago, they brought on Robinson to serve as a mentor to some of the young guys. Bringing on Revis shouldn’t be out of the question for the Eagles. In fact, former Eagles running back Brian Westbrook thinks it could happen any day now.
When will the Eagles make a splash and try to steal back the headlines by signing Revis?
— Brian Westbrook (@36westbrook) June 19, 2017
Revis had a difficult season in 2016, but that doesn’t mean he’s done yet. The Eagles have a legitimate reason to, at least, take a look. In comparison to Robinson, Revis’ talent and experience is far better. Bringing in Revis could give young guys like Douglas, Mills and Sidney Jones a true, accomplished mentor.
Going over the numbers…
Philadelphia Eagles
In 15 games last season, Revis finished with 43 total tackles and one interception. That’s a major drop in numbers from his rookie season in 2007. Lets compare the numbers between Robinson and Revis.
Robinson has only had one season (2012) that he posted stats that were better the Revis’ numbers in 2016. We also have to note that Robinson only played in seven games last season due to multiple injuries. Since 2013, Revis missed no more then two games, which could be a major plus for the Eagles since injuries have affected the defense in the past.
What people are saying:
In 2016, NFL fans and the media wrote Revis off, stating that his days of being an elite corner have come to an end. The statements shouldn’t prevent Philly from, at least, speaking with him. In all honesty, the words ‘elite’ and ‘corner back’ haven’t been used together in Philly for quite some time. Last season, Philadelphia’s secondary was ranked as the worst according to Pro Football Focus.
Team safeties Malcolm Jenkins and Rodney McLeod were graded to be among the team’s best in the run-defense and pass coverage. When looking at Nolan Carroll and McKelvin’s stats in comparison to Revis, they arent too far off either. In fact, Revis may have had a better season if he played with better safeties.
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At this point in the off-season, the Eagles could probably get Revis at a reasonable price. Much like LeGarrette Blount signing, the market price for Revis will continue to decrease as time passes. If the Eagles could afford a one-year deal, it should be considered. Revis could offer a lot more than stats to an up-and-coming Eagles secondary.