Darrelle Revis
Darrelle Revis could leave the New England Patriots as a free agent and play for his fourth team in as many years. Reuters/Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

New England Patriots star cornerback Darrelle Revis will have the opportunity to switch teams for the fourth time in four years. The Patriots elected not to pick up the $20 million option in his contract for 2015, according to ESPN and NFL Network reports.

Revis’ contract was scheduled to cost the Patriots a whopping $25 million in 2015, a planned escalation put into the two-year, $32 million deal he signed with the team before 2014. Revis made just $12 million in 2014. New England is expected to continue negotiating with the cornerback to return despite declining the option.

If Revis were to hit the open market in free agency on Tuesday, his top suitor would likely be the Pats’ AFC East rival New York Jets, according to reports. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport tweeted that the team has put free agency plans on hold to reserve cap space for the star cornerback. Revis began his career with the Jets and became a star under the organization during his tenure from 2007-12. He was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the 2013 season and was subsequently released by Tampa after the year ended. The Patriots made waves by signing Revis to the under-market-price deal last offseason.

An ESPN report last month suggested that the Buffalo Bills would also be interested in signing Revis should he become available, but there has not been a re-surfacing of the rumors. CBS’ Jason La Canfora tweeted Sunday that the Kansas City Chiefs want Revis as well, although their cap situation, especially now after signing receiver Jeremy Maclin, might make the move tough to pull off. La Canfora tweeted Monday that the deciding factor for who gets Revis might come down to guaranteed money.

Revis is regarded as a shutdown corner who can takeaway half of the field for a defense. Opposing teams often had to stay away from Revis, who still managed two interceptions and 14 passes defended. He was a major upgrade for the Super Bowl Champion Patriots and a major part of the team’s great secondary.

New England just re-signed safety Devin McCourty to a five-year, $47.5 million contract with $28.5 million guaranteed. According to the Boston Herald, the Patriots also told cornerback Brandon Browner he can investigate his trade value around the league as his $2 million roster bonus comes due.

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