Rumor: Kansas City Chiefs Are ‘Interested’ In Patriots CB Darrelle Revis
By Brett Gering
Sep 14, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Vikings 30-7. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports that the Kansas City Chiefs are believed to be “interested” in New England Patriots cornerback Darrelle Revis.
Patriots, Revis not talking yet http://t.co/ylrjl1LdbP
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) January 29, 2015
Listen, I hate to be a downer, but take that thought, crumple it up and skyhook it toward the trashcan.
The NFL isn’t Madden 97, where you can swap Louie Aguiar and a used Slap Chop for Superstar X, then pay him in Trident Layers.
Take a minute to think about this: The Chiefs just broke the bank in extending their quarterback this year, and regardless of how he gets his money (new contract or franchise tag), they’re also about to empty their pockets to retain Justin Houston.
On paper, Alex Smith is scheduled to make $15.6 million in 2015.
Though franchise tag numbers (or for that matter, the cap) aren’t set in stone, the price tag for linebackers was $11.455 million this season. Let’s say that figure jumps to $13 million, and Houston is franchised.
If the salary cap is set at $142 million, those two players alone would chew up 20 percent of Kansas City’s budget.
The Chiefs also have to re-sign Rodney Hudson, who, despite playing between four sandbags, performed like a top-five center this season. Furthermore, Ron Parker, Jason Avant and a host of special teamers—though they’re far from financial burdens—are also free agents, and draft picks aren’t charitable donations.
Per Over the Cap, who currently projects a $142,188,093 spending ceiling, cutting Dwayne Bowe, Mike DeVito, Donnie Avery and A.J. Jenkins would free up $12,895,808 in cap space.
Taking it a step further, let’s suppose that Tamba Hali sits down with John Dorsey, agreeing to strike the workout ($250,000) and roster ($2 million) bonuses from his contract in addition to trimming his base salary by $1.5 million. Meanwhile, the team also squeezes $3 million from Eric Berry’s contract.
That if-tastic scenario, which doesn’t include any re-signings (nor Houston’s potential franchise tender), would grant Kansas City just under $19.65 million in cap room.
Revis is due to make $25 million next year. If the Chiefs were to trade for him, they would be on the hook for $20 million of said total—that’s not happening. On the other hand, if the Patriots release the All-Pro, he’ll still want to be paid like a top-three corner, which, as of now, would range between $12-15 million next year. Unless Dorsey bids bon voyage to Houston, you can scratch that option off the list as well.
Ultimately, Kansas City’s defense ranked third in yards per pass (6.4) last season, and that was with Eric Berry—who graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 2 safety (subscription required) in 2013—missing six games, and a rookie, Phillip Gaines, starting five. Factor in another season-long absence for Sanders Commings—technically, he played three snaps in 2013—and I’d say the secondary fared reasonably well.
If you anticipate the Chiefs signing Revis, send a collection plate to One Arrowhead Drive, cross your fingers and start praying.
Contract information provided by Over the Cap.
Next: Salary Cap Breakdown For The Kansas City Chiefs