Darrelle Revis Update: Raiders “strong players” in Revis sweepstakes

Dec 8, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) is congratulated by defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (93) after he made a sack against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Just Blog Baby will be covering every minute of the 2014 NFL Free Agency frenzy this March. Check in daily for breaking news, analysis and predictions from the talented JBB team and new staff writers.

Earlier we reported that the Raiders were amongst the teams that were interested in acquiring likely Tampa Bay trade/release target/infamous lockdown cornerback Darrelle Revis after it was well reported that the Bucs likely will part ways with Revis’ $16 million APY contract that has zero guaranteed money.

The Bucs preferably would like to make a trade rather than let Revis hit the open market, which makes the Raiders fifth pick in the draft and $64 million in cap space a lucrative player in the sweepstakes for arguably one of the two best cornerbacks in the NFL alongside the Seattle Seahawks’ Richard Sherman.

SF Gate’s Raiders beat writer Vic Tafur recently reported that the Raiders are amongst the major players in the Revis talks with Tampa Bay, with the Cleveland Browns also in the mix as was first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Revis is the top free agent cornerback on the market with little doubt and the fact that the Raiders are targeting him shows that even with Lamarr Houston and Jared Veldheer dragging their feet on coming back to Oakland long term that Reggie McKenzie is serious about kicking the tires on impact players. Revis is a lockdown cornerback even if he is a veteran and Tampa Bay wants to free up cap space by moving on. With no guaranteed money on his deal and a chance to mentor 2013 first round pick D.J. Hayden, Revis could be a rental pickup that the Raiders could easily afford and cut loose after a productive season or two in the Bay. Cleveland have an extra first round pick so they may be the more likely destination, but the prospect of landing Revis is an early contender for a silver lining on 2014 Free Agency Opening Day.

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