National Football League

Revis might hit free-agent market in 2015 after all

Published Mar. 17, 2014 1:09 p.m. ET

Mike Garafolo

Darrelle Revis might very well hit the free-agent market again in 2015.

The New England Patriots finalized a deal with the cornerback on Monday and in the contract is a clause preventing the team from designating Revis its franchise or transition player next offseason, sources told FOX Sports.

The Patriots could retain Revis by picking up an option for 2015, though that would be worth $20 million. It's highly unlikely the team would do that. Sources said Revis' camp believed that without the clause in the contract preventing the team from franchising Revis, the Pats would have been able to tag him at a rate of 120 percent of his 2014 salary ($12 million).

The most likely scenario for Revis to remain with the Pats would be for the sides to work out a long-term deal. Revis has the $20-million figure for 2015 in his pocket to use as leverage in such negotiations. Sources say the team is open to a long-term contract, especially since Revis proved in his one season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that his knee is healthy following ACL surgery.