Darrelle Revis' Contract: Why the New York Jets Should Pay Him

The New York Jets face a major problem with their best player as All-Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis is disgruntled with his current contract situation. Unfortunately for the team, it doesn't appear as if they will resolve it anytime soon. Today, he enters his 11th day of the holdout, and he still hasn't attended training camp. 

Under the current circumstances Revis would be paid $1 million during 2010 and has three total years left under his original rookie deal. While somewhat insignificant, do note that since he is being fined approximately $16,500 for every day he's absent, nearly 20 percent of that and counting is gradually being lost.  

According to reports, the Jets have offered Revis a 10-year, $120 million contract, with undisclosed terms regarding guaranteed money. Instead, Revis' side is pleading for a $40 million increase taking them to $16 million a year which is comparable to the type of money Raiders All-Pro CB Nnamdi Asomugha earns. 

To support his case, the two time Pro Bowler has firmly established himself as the top player at his position. Even better, one of that title's previous holders, Champ Bailey, agrees.

"I was reluctant to give it to anybody because I thought I was the best. But I've got to give it to him. He's better than anyone right now."

Last year, Revis virtually shut down every receiver he faced including elite talent such as Andre Johnson, Steve Smith, and Chad Ochocinco. Hence the nickname "Revis Island."

He possesses all five qualities every true shutdown corner must display: cover ability, ball skills, effectiveness in run support, understanding of the game, and overall athleticism. 

Moreover, the Jets apparently believe that's the case as well. Their Head Coach, the outspoken Rex Ryan, repeatedly praised Revis for being the best cornerback that he's ever seen. 

Even now, everyone related to the team who has spoken about the issue has said they want Revis there. 

So, what's the problem?

Well, I would like to say it originates from the unorthodoxy that the Raiders demonstrated when they gave Asomugha a 3-year, $45 million contract in 2009. Even though he's certainly great, I am skeptical if that's corresponding to his real value—or anyone's, for that matter. 

Others say it's the tremendous hype that has supposedly led Revis and his agents to take such a passionate stance. 

Whatever it may be, the Jets can't do anything about that. They are left with only two choices, which are to either play the 2010 season without him or simply pay the man. 

I strongly encourage them to do the latter.

Yes, I understand that they have other players to pay, and that he should honor his contract. Yes, I understand that they have decent replacements at the position, and are still probably a Top 10 defense without him. Yes, I understand it may signify weakness in management. 

However, I firmly believe, as most others do, that they are not a Super Bowl contender without him. Personally, I don't even think they can win the division without him. He's truly their best and most important player. 

My prime example as to why they should swallow their pride and make the investment is Emmitt Smith, and his holdout during the 1993 season. Granted the eras were different, but the underlying principle is the same.

For those of you who may not be familiar with the story, after the Dallas Cowboys started 0-2, owner Jerry Jones finally gave in. As a result, they ended up making Smith the highest-paid running back at the time by awarding him a four-year, $13.6 million contract. 

Looking back at it, they clearly made the wise decision as he claimed the league rushing title and was a key reason they won 12 of the next 14 games. Following that performance he was honored as the NFL MVP. 

To cap the Cinderella-like story, the Cowboys won the Super Bowl and he was named the game's MVP.

Obviously, a similar outcome isn't guaranteed. Nonetheless, it surely does improve their chances. And, at the very least, it rids them of a major distraction and would allow them to purely focus on preparing their team for the upcoming season. 

That said, will the two sides strike a deal in the near future? All indications point towards that being highly unlikely.

On the other side, the Jets are a smart organization, and they will do what's best for the franchise. But whatever eventually happens, I wish them and Darrelle Revis the best of luck moving forward.