NFL Free Agency Rumors: Eagles Will Pursue Darrelle Revis

A report from ESPN Insider Adam Schefter emerged late on Monday night stating that Buccaneers cornerback Darrelle Revis could soon be on the free agent market. Schefter reports that the Bucs are trying to trade Revis, and if they can't find a trade partner, they will simply release him on Wednesday afternoon. By getting rid of Revis, the Bucs free up $16 million in cap space and get to keep their third round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. Those assets could be of more value to the rebuilding Bucs than an expensive player like Revis.

So with Revis free to sign with any team... well, that's kind of a big deal! He's arguably one of the best cornerbacks in the league (all due respect to Richard Sherman). The Eagles could certainly upgrade upon their CBs. I"ve maintained that the Eagles will likely sit tight when it comes to cornerback, aside from adding depth in free agency and a prospect through the draft. But if there's a clear upgrade to be made, such as signing Revis, it's hard to see the Eagles turning down that opportunity. Cary Williams and Bradley Fletcher proved to be effective starters last year, but the Eagles are hardly tied to them from a financial perspective.

The downfalls to signing Revis involve money and age. Revis turns 29 in July. Bringing in older players to big deals doesn't seem to fit with the Eagles like to do. But then again, that 's exactly what the Eagles did with Nnamdi Asomugha. And Revis is way better. He could be worth the exception.

A few Eagles-Revis connections have already popped up. Former Jets executive Ari Nissim indicated that the Eagles will be one of the teams to pursue Revis. Jeff McLane mentioned that the Eagles considered trading for Revis last offseason, and it might be in their best interest to reconsider that option. Furthermore, Evan Silva of Rotoworld thinks the Eagles make the most sense for Revis.

I think the Philadelphia Eagles make the most sense for Revis. They are an ascending, 2013 playoff team with below-average cornerback play, an aggressive GM in Howie Roseman, and over $20 million in cap availability. Philly defensive coordinator Billy Davis leans heavily in the blitz, a tactic far easier to execute with reliable back-end coverage. The Eagles haven't been active in free agency beyond re-signing players from within. They'd be wise to make an exception for NFL's top corner.

It'll be interesting to see if any of this comes to fruition or if it's just all speculation. The only sure thing seems to be that Revis will be available this offseason.

So what do you think? Does Revis make sense for the Eagles?

[Note by Brandon Lee Gowton, 03/11/14 9:16 AM EDT] - Adam Schefter says the Eagles are one of two teams to watch on Revis!