The Patriots seemed all quiet on the eastern front during day one of free agency. Not so on day two... After a relatively shocking move by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to cut corner Darrelle Revis, he ended up spending less then a day on the free agency market before getting swooped up by New England.
With roughly 12 million to spend in total cap space for the Patriots, they had to release a few players in order to make a move. Earlier on day two of the free agency bonanza, the Patriots learned that they had lost there starting corner Aqib Talib to there playoff rival Denver Broncos from last season. How would the Patriots respond? Apparently the Tampa Bey Buccaneers decided to release there prize Corner in Darrelle Revis where he turned around and signed a deal with New England. The reported contract appears to be a one year deal worth 12 million dollars. Is it a good move to replace Aqib Talib? Lets look at the numbers from last season and compare.
Aqib Talib- Played in 13 games, had 41 combined tackles with 6 being assisted. He had 14 pass deflections connecting on 4 interceptions with a forced fumble. He was a big part in the playoffs in helping the Patriots get to the AFC championship game.
Darrelle Revis- Connected on 16 games with 50 combined tackles with 7 being assisted with 1 sack. He had 11 pass deflections with 2 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles. Darrelle did not play in the playoffs this year.
In the end, I think the Patriots are about equal in this signing. It is a 1 year deal which they can start over next year if things don't work out. For Revis, he didn't get as much money as if he had stayed with Tampa, but gets to contend for a championship this year and play twice against his first team in the New York Jets.
For Denver, it is a good chunk of change dished out to Talib in a 6 year 57 million dollar deal with 26 million guaranteed. However, they get to revamp there secondary and essentially replace a mostly injured Champ Bailey whom they cut earlier this offseason. In the end, I think it is a Win Win for the Broncos and Patriots.
