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NFL

Darrelle Revis is no longer worth the trouble for the Jets

Darrelle Revis knows he stank in 2016, but he went into the offseason hoping to convince his bosses he still could be an asset to the New York Jets. He was planning to train harder than ever, take a pay cut and move to safety if that’s what they desired. Basically, he wanted to make it hard for them to cut him.

Now he has made it easy.

An ugly night last weekend in Pittsburgh, his hometown, has resulted in four felonies and a misdemeanor charged against the Jets’ fading star, including two assault-related charges. It’ll be up to the courts to determine what happened at 2:30 a.m. Sunday at the intersection of East Carson and South 23rd in the South Side section of Pittsburgh, but this much we know:

One of the greatest players in Jets history, a probable Hall of Famer, is in big-time trouble. He appears to have been involved in a street fight — to what degree is unclear — tainting his legacy and embarrassing his team. If the Jets still are mulling Revis’ football fate, this may have sealed the deal. This might sound like heresy, but the once-great Revis isn’t worth the trouble anymore.

The Jets will have to make a decision on Darrelle Revis by March 10. Brad Mills/USA TODAY Sports

Before this, you could have made an argument that Revis deserved the benefit of the doubt because of who he is and what he has accomplished in his career. No, he’s not a $15 million cornerback, the amount he’s due to earn in the coming season, but maybe you could have kept him around at a reduced salary. He could have been the elder statesman, helping the franchise as it enters a rebuilding phase. Sure, his man-to-man skills have declined, but he’s always been a solid man off the field, never in trouble with the law.

That scenario — a Revis farewell tour, 2017 — now seems far-fetched.

A decision on Revis’ future is fast approaching. The Jets owe him a $2 million bonus if he’s on the roster the second day of the league year, March 10, so they have to act before then. Revis, who has always seen the Jets as an ATM machine, will have to take a massive pay cut to stick around — if he gets that option. The Jets could decide to simply cut bait, clearing $9.3 million in much-needed cap room.

It won’t be easy to swallow because they owe him $6 million, the fully guaranteed portion of his base salary. No owner, no matter how rich, likes doling out that kind of cash to a fired employee. Is there a chance the Jets could get the $6 million voided because of this incident? In theory, they could try to take that approach, but it would be a long process, complicated by the March 10 deadline.

If it happened, it would be a financial break for the Jets. Imagine: They’d be able to dump a diminished player, save $6 million in actual cash and get a cap credit. But don’t get your hopes up.

The money is only one subplot to this story, which will have twists and turns. If they keep him, it would be a yearlong distraction for the Jets, and they certainly don’t need that, not with coach Todd Bowles heading into a must-win season. Roger Goodell and his disciplinary police will have their say, too, as Revis is subject to a suspension under the NFL’s personal conduct policy.

These allegations against Revis are troubling and, in a way, sad. Since returning to the Jets with a five-year, $70 million contract in 2015, only a few weeks after celebrating a Super Bowl championship with the New England Patriots, his career has been stuck in a downward spiral, some of it self-inflicted.

On the field, he showed signs of slippage in 2015. Then came offseason wrist surgery. Then came the acrimonious split with his longtime agents, followed by a lawsuit against them. He showed up to training camp out of shape. Then came his awful performance in 2016, exacerbated by curious and dumb comments.

Revis admitted his body was breaking down, which sounded like he was making excuses. Asked in December about his future with the team, he said, “My thing would be this: Do the New York Jets want to treat my situation with class or no class?”

If these criminal charges stick, Revis forfeits his right to classy treatment.

Once upon a time, the only criticism of Revis was that he was greedy. That seems tame after what has unfolded.

NFL

Who goes, who stays: Prioritizing Jets' thin free-agent class

The New York Jets have 11 players eligible for unrestricted free agency on March 9. It’s not a star-studded group. In fact, they combined for only 37 starts last season. Nevertheless, the Jets are trying to re-sign a handful of them.

How I’d rank them in order of importance:

1. LT Ben Ijalana: The Jets are interested in re-signing Ijalana, who replaced the departed Ryan Clady midway through last season. Ijalana (13 starts) made only $840,000 last season on a one-year contract; it’ll cost the Jets more this time because he will draw interest from other teams. The Jets have to come out of free agency with a left tackle because they don’t have one on the roster.

2. OLB Josh Martin: He was a bright spot on an otherwise moribund special-teams unit. Martin led the unit in tackles, drawing praise from a certain hoodie-wearing coach in New England. The Jets are trying to get a deal done. Martin may opt to test the market because he wants an opportunity to play linebacker.

3. OLB Mike Catapano: There’s interest in re-signing the versatile Catapano (four starts), who can play multiple spots in the front seven and special teams.

4. LS Tanner Purdum: Has there been a more consistent player than Purdum over the past few years? Thing is, he’s 32 years old and coming off a two-year deal that averaged $905,000 per year. The Jets may try to pinch pennies. They recently signed two unproven long-snappers, an indication they may let Purdum test the market.

5. OLB Bruce Carter: The former starter is a solid depth player, and depth at inside linebacker could be an issue. Nevertheless, there’s no urgency to get something done. He’s looking at a veterans-minimum contract.

While not ideal, the Jets could always bring back Geno Smith on a one-year, prove-it deal provided his surgically repaired knee checks out. Michael Reaves/Getty Images

6. QB Geno Smith: If the Jets strike out in the free-agent market, they could try to re-sign Smith on a one-year, prove-it deal, assuming his surgically repaired knee checks out. It’s not the ideal situation. The Jets need a fresh start and so does Smith, who probably wants a change of scenery.

7. LT Ryan Clady: The Jets didn’t exercise their option, making him a free agent. He could be a post-draft fallback option if they can’t secure a replacement.

8. S Antonio Allen: He hasn’t found a niche on defense, only special teams. Allen could be a post-draft possibility.

9. TE Kellen Davis: If the Jets switch to a West Coast offense, the profile for tight ends will change. The emphasis will be on pass-catching, not blocking, Davis’ forte. His return is unlikely.

10. OLB Corey Lemonier: He had a cup of coffee last season, arriving in time for Week 17. Hey, the Jets are 1-0 with Lemonier.

11. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick: It was fun for a year. The second year, not so much. It’s probably best for both sides to move on.

In addition, the Jets will have three restricted free agents:

1. C Wes Johnson: He started eight games for the injured Nick Mangold, who could become a cap casualty. To retain Johnson with the low-level tender, it’ll cost at least $1.67 million (last year’s amount), giving the Jets the right of first refusal. Look for that to happen.

2. CB Marcus Williams: He was exposed a bit last year after a promising 2015, but he’s worth keeping around as a fourth corner. He could get the low tender.

3. TE Brandon Bostick: The low tender probably is too steep, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if he re-ups on a lesser deal before free agency.

NFL

Saints' Sean Payton: We've got to find a pass-rusher

METAIRIE, La. — Sean Payton didn’t play coy when asked about one of the New Orleans Saints’ most glaring needs — a pass-rusher.

Payton was asked in a Q&A with the team’s website whether he considers a pass-rusher as a “need” or a “want.”

Payton replied, “It’s a must.”

Sean Payton says that finding a pass-rusher is a “must” for the Saints. Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

“We’ve got to find a pass-rusher,” Payton continued. “Now, whether that comes from free agency or that comes from the draft, we have to be better at affecting the quarterback.

“Last year if you took hurries, sacks, pressures — a study of all three things that can happen with a rush — we were in the bottom third of the league and that has to get better.”

Payton didn’t specify “edge rusher” in that Q&A but it seems pretty apparent that’s what the Saints need most.

They already have a stellar defensive end on the strong side in veteran Cameron Jordan, who ranked among the NFL’s elite last year in all of those disruption categories that Payton mentioned. And the Saints beefed up their interior pass rush last year by drafting tackle Sheldon Rankins in the first round and signing veteran tackle Nick Fairley in free agency.

Fairley is once again a free agent this year — and should be pretty expensive to retain after he had a career-high 6.5 sacks last year. But even if the Saints do bring back Fairley, they will likely try to add an edge-rushing DE in free agency or the draft. Or both.

It will be interesting to see just how much the Saints are willing to spend to fill that “must.” There are some elite pass-rushers scheduled to hit the free-agent market, including the New York Giants’ Jason Pierre-Paul, the Arizona Cardinals’ Chandler Jones and the Los Angeles Chargers’ Melvin Ingram (though that could change if they are franchised or sign long-term deals before the start of free agency next month).

The next tier of pass-rushers includes guys like the New England Patriots’ Jabaal Sheard and the Carolina Panthers’ Mario Addison.

The first round of the draft should offer some good options, as well. Among edge rushers who could possibly be deemed worthy of the No. 11 pick are Stanford’s Solomon Thomas, Michigan’s Taco Charlton, Tennessee’s Derek Barnett, UCLA’s Takkarist McKinley and Alabama’s Tim Williams.

NFL

Where could Adrian Peterson land if he leaves Vikings?

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings’ talks about a restructured contract for running back Adrian Peterson aren’t likely to pick up steam until around the NFL scouting combine in the beginning of March, and it remains possible the team will work out a deal to keep him in Minnesota in 2017.

Peterson has said publicly he wants to return to the Vikings next season, and those close to him believe the same thing. He turns 32 in March and ran for only 72 yards in three games of a season during which he was recovering from a torn meniscus. Still, he could return next season if he finds common ground with the Vikings as they pursue a reworked deal in lieu of an option that would pay Peterson $18 million (including a $6 million roster bonus).

Still, this being a business, it’s entirely possible Peterson and the Vikings will part ways at the start of the league year, March 9, rather than work out a deal to keep him in Minnesota. Peterson acknowledged as much during an appearance on ESPN’s First Take last month, when he said, “I see myself in purple,” before adding, “A lot has to take place,” and naming the New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Houston Texans as teams he has considered as possibilities should he not be back with the Vikings next season.

The list of possibilities for Peterson is probably longer than those three teams, but if he did become a free agent, it would take the right set of circumstances — a team close to winning, a role at running back and possibly a personal connection — for him to land there. Here’s a look at some of the places Peterson could end up, some more realistic than others.

Adrian Peterson could be a fit in New York if the Giants look to upgrade a rushing attack that ranked 29th in 2016. Jerry Lai/US Presswire

New York Giants

Running back situation: Rashad Jennings, 31, led the Giants with 593 rushing yards, and Paul Perkins, 22, had 456. Jennings was released on Tuesday, and though Perkins showed promise, he didn’t score a touchdown last season.

Projected cap space: $31.03 million

Could it work? The Giants went 11-5 with the league’s 29th-ranked running game and the second-shortest average drive in the league. The idea of playing in a backfield with Eli Manning and in an offense with Odell Beckham Jr. could be intriguing to Peterson, though a team that threw nearly 600 times last season isn’t about to become a ball-control outfit. Still, there could be a fit here if the Giants think Peterson can help put them over the top.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Running back situation: Jacquizz Rodgers led the team in rushing with 560 yards, but he’s a free agent. Doug Martin and his $7 million cap hit could also be on the way out after a violation for performance-enhancing drugs last season. Charles Sims, who played only seven games in 2016, is in the final year of his contract.

Projected cap space: $65.65 million

Could it work? It might have been no accident that Peterson mentioned the Bucs (remember in 2015 when his agent, Ben Dogra, posed in a Tampa Bay hat next to Peterson’s jersey during his standoff with the Vikings?). They’ve got the cap space to pay him plenty of money, though an up-and-coming young team might look to stick with a back like Rodgers as it builds around quarterback Jameis Winston. Should the Buccaneers have interest, though, they’ve got the wherewithal to get Peterson.

Houston Texans

Running back situation: Lamar Miller ran for 1,073 yards on 268 carries, and Alfred Blue chipped in another 420 yards. Both are under contract, with Miller, 25, carrying a cap hit of $6.5 million.

Projected cap space: $23.42 million

Could it work? It’s no secret in league circles how much Peterson would be attracted to the idea of playing in Houston, where he lives in the offseason and opened a gym last year. The Texans went to the AFC divisional playoffs last season, and they’d certainly be an attractive destination for Peterson. Given Miller’s cap number and his role, though, this one probably only works if Peterson is willing to accept a smaller part in the offense. The tradeoff — a chance to join a contending team in his adopted hometown — could be worth it.

Dallas Cowboys

Running back situation: Ezekiel Elliott is the man here, having led the league with 1,631 yards as a rookie. The NFL’s investigation into domestic-violence allegations still looms over Elliott, but as long as he stays out of long-term trouble, he’ll be a fixture in Dallas for a long time.

Projected cap space: minus-$13.02 million

Could it work? The Cowboys need to get their salary structure in order (though they’ll get cap relief from Tony Romo), and Peterson would need to fill in behind Elliott. Still, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported, Peterson has been connected to the Cowboys in NFL circles. He grew up a fan of the team, has an admirer in Jerry Jones and could join the pantheon of players who win a Super Bowl in Dallas. If the Cowboys were interested, that possibility might be enough to get Peterson to accept a secondary role. Making this happen, though, would require quite a few gymnastics.

Denver Broncos

Running back situation: C.J. Anderson is coming off a knee injury. Devontae Booker ran for 612 yards last season, but the Broncos could be looking for a back who can remove pressure from their dicey quarterback situation.

Projected cap space: $31.49 million

Could it work? This is a sneaky possibility for Peterson if he decides to test the market. There’s still an elite defense that carried the Broncos to a championship a season ago, and John Elway has shown he’ll be bold if he thinks a veteran can help put the Broncos over the top. Denver is often mentioned as a landing spot for Romo, but Peterson could make sense here, too, particularly if the Broncos sell him on the idea he might be able to get them back to the Super Bowl.

New England Patriots

Running back situation: The Patriots have used a committee of LeGarrette Blount, Dion Lewis and James White, but Blount is a free agent at age 30. White starred in the Super Bowl, but probably isn’t the kind of back who could carry the ball 300 times as Blount did.

Projected cap space: $63.42 million

Could it work? It would be the most Patriots move ever, wouldn’t it, to sign Peterson for a year, coax another productive season out of him next to Tom Brady and get back to another Super Bowl? They’ve done it with enough veterans that it’s plausible with Peterson, and while he’d have to go there knowing the offense runs through Brady, he still talks in glowing terms about his time with Brett Favre. The chance to play with another legend and thrive in the Patriots’ atmosphere for a year could be appealing if New England had interest.

Green Bay Packers

Running back situation: The Packers have to decide if they want to give Eddie Lacy another chance, make Ty Montgomery into their feature back or add another piece to the group after releasing James Starks.

Projected cap space: $41.02 million

Could it work? It’s hard to see it, given how rarely the Packers dip into the free-agent market and how many questions they have to answer on their offensive line, where T.J. Lang is a free agent. They’re also not a team that would offer Peterson a boatload of carries. But general manager Ted Thompson’s occasional forays into free agency have been largely successful, including players such as Charles Woodson, Julius Peppers and Jared Cook. Would the Packers kick the tires on Peterson if he reached the market? It would offer Peterson the chance to do what Favre did: play against the Vikings as a member of a division rival. However implausible it is, Vikings fans have no doubt already considered the scenario. It’s at this point we should mention, of course, where Super Bowl LII will be played next February: Minneapolis.

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