Robert Kraft 'Would Love' for Darrelle Revis to Return to Patriots

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft is open to a reunion with veteran defensive back Darrelle Revis, who played with the Pats during the 2014 NFL season.

Gary Myers of the New York Daily News passed along Kraft's response when asked Monday whether he'd be interested in Revis' returning for a second stint with the organization.         

"I would love it," he said. "Speaking for myself, if he wanted to come back, he's a great competitor; I'd welcome him if he wanted to come."

Kraft was coy about whether the team would sign Revis, though. When asked whether there's been contact between the sides, he referred Myers to head coach Bill Belichick—who also handles most general manager duties—by jokingly replying, "Ask my boy." 

There are two hurdles to jump before bringing the seven-time Pro Bowler back to New England for next season, though.

Most importantly, the Patriots must decide the fate of restricted free agent Malcolm Butler. The team used a first-round tender on the cornerback, so they can match any offer sheet he receives or get a first-round pick as compensation if they let him walk.

Another option is having Butler sign the one-year tender and then trading him. The asking price would probably be an early-round pick.

Giving him a lucrative long-term extension became less likely after the Pats signed Stephon Gilmore from the AFC East rival Buffalo Bills with a five-year, $65 million contract.

The other issue is figuring out where Revis would fit within the defense. His days as a corner looked numbered last season with the New York Jets, as his physical skills had diminished enough to believe Revis Island was a thing of the past.

One idea is moving the 31-year-old to safety. The switch would mostly take away the one-on-one coverage burden while letting him use his ball-hawking skills to make plays in the secondary. Charles Woodson made a similar change late in his NFL career.

In January, Andy Vasquez of The Record noted the Pennsylvania native was open to the idea of switching roles for 2017.

"This offseason there's going to be a lot of thinking of where my future is and what I can do to best help the team," Revis said. "And if that means changing my position to help the team win, then that's fine. I still love the game; I still have a passion for it. And I still want to play at a high level."

The Patriots usually find a way to get the most bang for their buck, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see them sign Revis to a short-term contract and utilize him in a hybrid role.