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, and he has announced big plans for his new top corner.

In addition, Revis' salary makes him tough to trade, and if teams show interest, they would need to part with something big to make the Bucs even think about pulling the trigger. The Bucs sent a first-round draft pick in 2013 (No. 13 overall) plus a conditional 2014 pick (likely a third-rounder) to acquire him from the 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 aren't moving Revis Island away from the Pirate Ship.


PETERS SIGNS NEW DEAL WITH EAGLES


All-Pro left tackle Jason Peters has agreed to a five-year contract with the Eagles.

Peters was signed for 2014 and his new deal adds four years through 2018. The 32-year-old Peters is a six-time Pro Bowl pick and two-time All-Pro.

Peters missed the entire 2012 season after twice rupturing an Achilles' tendon, but returned to anchor an offensive line that helped the Eagles lead the NFL in rushing. All-Pro running back LeSean McCoy ran for a franchise-best 1,607 yards behind Peters and Co.

Peters was an undrafted free agent who played his first five seasons in Buffalo before coming to Philadelphia in a trade in 2009.


RIVERA DOESN’T COMMIT TO SMITH


One longtime Panther called it quits on Wednesday, while another may be headed out the door behind him.

Offensive tackle Jordan Gross, who started a franchise-record 167 games during 11 seasons with the Panthers, officially retired at a news conference at Bank of America Stadium. Afterward, coach Ron Rivera was noncommittal on whether star wide receiver Steve Smith will be back with the team next season.

"A lot of it will have to do with what our situation and circumstances are going to be," Rivera said when asked directly about Smith's future. "I think as we go forward, just what the role is going to be we'll see."

Rivera said the Panthers need to clear salary cap room and said free agency may determine what happens with Smith.

Smith, the franchise's all-time leader in receptions and touchdowns, is under contract through 2016 but is set to cost $7 million under the 2014 NFL salary cap.

A 13-year NFL veteran who holds almost every major receiving record with the Panthers, Smith was present at Gross' retirement news conference but declined to discuss his own future.

"This is Jordan's day," Smith said. "We're not discussing me."

Gross and Smith were the only two players on last year's roster who played for Carolina's Super Bowl team in 2003.

Smith plans to meet with general manager Dave Gettleman in the next week or so to determine what his future holds.

It's unclear at this point if the Panthers want Smith to take a pay cut. Carolina has already restructured the contracts of linebacker Thomas Davis, center Ryan Kalil and running back Jonathan Stewart this offseason to create cap space.

The Panthers need to create room to sign quarterback Cam Newton to a long-term contract extension and also need to make a decision on the future of defensive end Greg Hardy, who'll be an unrestricted free agent.

Restructuring contracts has become commonplace in the Gettleman regime. He restructured seven contracts last season, including Gross' deal.

"I didn't like you very much last offseason but I got over that," Gross said jokingly to Gettleman during his news conference.

Rivera said he believes Smith wants to play for Carolina next season.

"My understanding is yes, but we have to go through our entire process and we have to do things we need to before we starting coming out and talking about where we're going, and how we're going to get there," Rivera said. "We know what we want to do. We are working on plans."


BROWNS CUT JACKSON


For eight seasons, D'Qwell Jackson did everything for the Browns.

He overcame serious injuries to play at a high level. He led the team in tackles. He became a locker room leader, showing the way for younger players. And, he did it all without complaint despite almost constant losing and change in Cleveland.

Jackson's run ended Wednesday.

The Browns released the veteran linebacker, cutting ties with one of their most popular players. He was due a $4.1 million roster bonus next month.

The 31-year-old Jackson, who made 96 starts in eight seasons with the Browns, is now a free agent and can sign with any team. Jackson's agents and Cleveland's revamped front office tried to restructure his contract, but couldn't come to terms and decided to part ways.

Jackson overcame two serious chest injuries earlier in his career. He missed most of two seasons, but recovered and was a mainstay on Cleveland's defense despite playing under four head coaches and four defensive coordinators.

He signed a five-year, $42.5 million contract extension last year through 2016. The deal, which included $19 million in guarantees and bonuses, would have paid Jackson $3.93 million this season. He was set to make $7.73 million and $7 million the next two seasons.

Contributors: Vinnie Iyer, The Associated Press