Darrelle Revis reportedly will hit free agent market

The New England Patriots hold a $20 million option for Darrelle Revis this season, but the team is unlikely to pick it up, meaning Revis will become a free agent, according to a report.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter said in an interview Monday with Colin Cowherd that Revis will become a free agent.

“Darrelle Revis has a clause in his contract that says he can’t be [franchise] tagged again. There’s a $20 million option bonus payment that would cause a $25 million cap number,” Schefter told Cowherd. “The bottom line is it would surprise me if New England picked that up. The chances are — not the chances are — it’s going to happen, Darrelle Revis is going to hit the market. He’ll be another coveted free agent.”

Just because Revis will become a free agent does not mean he will not return to the Pats. Revis has already made a ton of money during his time with the New York Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, not to mention what he earned last season with New England. He may have enjoyed playing for a real winner and getting his first Super Bowl ring. He may feel that sacrificing a few million dollars is worth it to play for the perennial contender.

If Revis does not agree to a long-term deal with the Patriots — which is something the team wants — he will have plenty of suitors. The Jets have tons of cap space and would love to sign him. So would the Buffalo Bills, who now have Revis’ former coach Rex Ryan as their new head coach.

Between not franchise-tagging Devin McCourty and having Revis hit free agency, the next few weeks will be a tense period for Patriots fans, who no doubt want both players back.

H/T WEEI