As the Jets evaluate their options for dealing with cornerback Darrelle Revis and a contract that expires after the season, Revis has far fewer choices, as a practical matter.
While he can refuse to do a contract extension with the Jets or anyone else, which would make it harder for the Jets to get real value via trade, Revis can’t try to force a new deal by holding out.
Technically, he can. But if Revis holds out at any point under his current deal the final three years of the contract won’t void, putting Revis under contract for 2014, 2015, and 2016 at only $3 million per year.
Even if the contract didn’t prevent it, he shouldn’t do it. If he wants to cash in next year, Revis needs to rehab and practice and play and show that he’s still one of the best cornerbacks in the game. He won’t be able to do that if he’s holding out.
And he definitely won’t be able to cash in if he’s still under contract beyond 2013.