Shock. Utter confusion. Flabbergasted. Just a few of the words or terms utilized to describe those initially reacting to Adam Schefter’s report that the New England Patriots have signed Darrelle Revis to a one-year, $12 million contract. How was this such a shocker, guys/gals? Let us give you a bullet point presentation…
CB Darrelle Revis and the New England Patriots have reached agreement on a one-year, $12 million deal, league sources told ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2014
* New England lost Aqib Talib in free agency and needed a starting cornerback to replace him.
* New England had ample salary cap room to pay $12 million a year for a cornerback on a short-term deal.
* Revis did not take a paycut. We can come to this conclusion based off the fact that a trade with Cleveland didn’t go through because he wouldn’t take a said paycut from the $16 million he was set to earn in 2014. Reality, folks. No team was going to offer him that high of an annual salary.
* Revis likely still took the best offer that was on the table for his services.
* This doesn’t vastly improve the Patriots chances of coming out of the AFC. While better than Talib, it’s not like Revis is that HUGE of an upgrade.
* Belichick going out there and trolling the Jets isn’t exactly news. He never passes up a chance to show up Rex Ryan and Co.
And finally.
Photo: Kim Klement, USA Today