Reports surfaced on Wednesday that the New York Jets are shopping cornerback Darrelle Revis and that the San Francisco 49ers are one of several teams interested in him, but according to a source close to ESPN the 49ers have little interest in Revis.
The 49ers’ interest in Revis is “.001 on a scale of 1-10,” the source said via text message to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen.
San Francisco have been linked as being one of the various teams that have been engaged with the Jets in trade talks for the All-Pro cornerback who is entering free agency after the 2013 season. Revis himself said this week that he would love to play for the 49ers.
The major concern for the 49ers is Revis’ price tag and his recovery from his ACL injury that he suffered last October. San Francisco already has 12 draft picks going into the 2013 NFL Draft, which is expected to grow to 15 when the NFL awards compensatory picks later this month. The 49ers would have to give up a considerable amount of picks to the Jets if the trade is made.
However, the Atlanta Falcons have been another team that has been mentioned to be interested in Revis, but general manager Thomas Dimitroff quickly dismissed any type of thoughts of a trade for Revis.
Last week, the Falcons released starting cornerback Dunta Robinson, running back Michael Turner and defensive end John Abraham. The team was able to save nearly $16 million on salary cap.
“Our biggest goal is to sign our own guys,” Dimtroff told ESPN NFL Inisder Ed Werder on Wednesday. “That is why the money was freed up. Not to make other moves. We need to take care of our guys and that is our goal this offseason.”
The trade speculation increased during the recent scouting combine, when Jets management and coach Rex Ryan did not meet Revis’ agent to talk about a new contract.
“This definitely hit home, especially being one of the best players out there and come to find out you’re being shopped,” Revis said in an interview with Seattle Seahawks fullback Michael Robinson, who hosts a web-based sports show. “Yeah, it really hit home, but my focus is, it doesn’t really matter where I’m at. I know what I can do.”
Jets general manager John Idzik said Monday during a call with season-ticket holders that Revis was doing well and that he was ahead of schedule. Idzik seemed enthusiastic about Revis’ return and chance of keeping him with the team.
Revis, who is due to earn $6 million in the final season of his contract, is believed to be seeking about $16 million per year. Jets owner Woody Johnson would love to be able to franchise tag Revis after the season, but a clause in his contract stipulates that team cannot do so, which allows him to become a free agent next year.
For now, Revis is still a Jet and will probably remain a Jet until teams can see how he has recovered from his ACL injury. But once he returns and can demonstrate that he is at full strength, then Revis may be able to get the contract that he is seeking.
