There have been no shortage of trades made by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers over their years in the NFL. Some were great, others were terrible, some were just meh. Today we’re looking at one of those trades that was just that; meh.
Darrelle Revis was an absolute monster for the New York Jets at the beginning of his career. His career year came in 2009, as he was able to amass a whopping six interceptions on the season. Now six interceptions may not seem like a big deal, but cornerback is the hardest position in football (aside from quarterback), so it’s amazing that he was able to do that.
Revis would go on to enjoy success in the “Big Apple” all the way until the 2012 season. That off-season saw Revis and the Jets quarreling about his new contract that he would be owed. The legendary cornerback wanted to re-work his deal, and said he wouldn’t be reporting to training camp without one.
Well, it seems the Jets won that battle, as Revis would eventually report to training camp, but the relationship wouldn’t last much longer. After playing in a handful of games, and obtaining a slew of injuries, Revis would be placed on the injured reserve on October 12th, 2012.
Then, on April 21, 2013, the Buccaneers traded for the former pro-bowler, sending a first-round pick in that years draft, a conditional 2014 fourth-round pick, and signed him to a massive four-year, $96 million dollar contract (non-guaranteed).
The cornerback would make his debut for his new team on September 8th, which, oddly enough, was against his former team, the New York Jets. In all, Revis had an outstanding season during his year in Tampa Bay, being selected to a fifth Pro-Bowl, as well as being named SN Comeback Player of the Year.
It looked like a strong marriage between player and team was taking shape, that is until Greg Schiano was fired, and replaced by Lovie Smith. Smith brought with him his new defensive structures, which relied heavily on elite middle linebackers, not corners. Just like that, Revis was out of Tampa Bay.
On March 12th, 2014, the Bucs released Revis after several failed attempts to trade him. Within hours of being released by the Bucs, the New England Patriots decided Revis was their man and signed him to a one-year/ $12 million dollar contract. In New England Revis would win a Superbowl, further adding to his impressive career.
In hindsight, the Bucs spent a first round pick and $16 million dollars for one year of an elite cornerback career. Not a great trade, but not the worst either. How do you think we fared in this trade? Let me know in the comments below!