Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis wants to be paid more than the highest-paid cornerback in the game -- Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, who makes $15.1 million per year. Revis has pegged his expectations upon Asomugha’s deal, because Jets coach Rex Ryan has said, repeatedly, that Revis is the best cornerback in the game.
Even with Revis holding out for $15.1 million per year (plus 50 cents), Ryan reiterated on Tuesday the observation that helped create the current problem.
“We admit that if Revis is not here, it’s going to be more difficult,” Ryan said in remarks distributed by the team. “That’s an obvious fact. You’re taking the best corner in the league out of your defense, but by no means does that mean we’re not going to still get it done.”
Ryan pointed out multiple times that Revis remains part of the team.
“You’re talking about a tremendous football player and a great teammate,” Ryan said. “He’s one of the guys. He’s still a Jet, he’s just not here.”
It’s a departure from the coaching habit of trying to make holdouts feel disconnected from the team by refusing to talk about the men who aren’t in camp. The goal is to make the holdout feel alone and isolated -- and thus more likely to return.
So, basically, in one brief press conference, Ryan has reconfirmed Revis’ assessment of his worth, and Ryan has made it clear to Revis that the coach is waiting to give Revis a big ol’ bear hug, whenever he happens to show up.