Having had the Jets in a similar situation, and benefitted from it, Keyshawn Johnson has some simple advice for them now — trade Darrelle Revis.
“I think it’s a smart move if they do move him and get value,” Johnson told Newsday’s Bob Glauber. “He’s not going to win any games for you. He’s a defensive back who will shut down the [opponents’] top receiver, but the ball is not in his hands. The Jets need more than a top corner. They need some pieces. If he gives them the value to get those pieces, then move him.”
When the ESPN analyst wanted a new deal the team didn’t want to give in 2000, the Jets traded him to the Buccaneers for two first-round picks. Once in Tampa Bay, Johnson won a Super Bowl ring, and had then-Bucs exec John Idzik (now the Jets GM) give him an eight-year, $56 million contract.
“When you see him, tell him I said thanks for the money,” Johnson said of Idzik.
But to the point of the current Jets mess, Johnson said the team’s lack of stability on offense makes dealing their disgruntled cornerback a good move.
“It’s a bad football team, and the quarterback doesn’t know if he’s coming or going,” Johnson said of Mark Sanchez. “One minute, he wants to be Hollywood. The next, he wants to be a quarterback. Can’t do both, son.”
Obviously Idzik helping him be rich has made Johnson quite generous with his free advice.