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Revis just had a strong first season in Tampa, rebounding well from his knee injury woes and taking back his place as an elite cornerback. The Buccaneers just hired a defensive-minded coach, Lovie Smith, who has gushed about his inherited defensive talent. It's true Smith is used to running a Tampa 2 scheme featuring zone coverage. But he's also smart enough to realize that Revis' man-to-man shutdown skills are special.
In addition, Revis' salary makes him tough to trade. If he's not traded and hits the free-agent market, it's unlikely he'll see the salary he was to receive in Tampa. The Bucs sent a first-round draft pick in 2013 (No. 13 overall) plus a conditional 2014 pick (likely third-rounder) to acquire him from the New York Jets last year. His value is only greater as the Sporting News Comeback Player of Year is still in his prime at age 28.
The trade winds probably aren't moving 'Revis Island' away from the Pirate Ship. But it seems he'll be out of Tampa one way or another.
