FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) - Darrelle Revis was back with his New York Jets teammates _ as rumors continue to swirl that he could be headed elsewhere soon.
The star cornerback reported Monday for the first day of the team’s voluntary offseason conditioning program, a few hours after having an MRI exam with Dr. Russell Warren, the Giants’ team orthopedist, at a hospital in Manhattan.
The MRI exam results, according to several published reports, were positive. ESPN New York also reported that Revis was cleared by Warren to begin running without restrictions.
Revis, who has been rehabilitating his surgically repaired left knee in Arizona, did not speak with reporters who were waiting outside the entrance to the Jets’ training complex, driving past without acknowledging them.
Quarterbacks Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow were also among the players who reported Monday.
Revis is entering the last season of a four-year contract. A clause in that deal prevents the Jets from using the franchise or transition tag on him next year, so if he remains unsigned, he would become a free agent in 2014. That’s why Revis has been the subject of rampant trade rumors, with Tampa Bay appearing to be the most likely suitor.
Revis would have preferred to return to Arizona to continue his rehab, but will remain in New Jersey because his contract includes a clause for three $1 million bonuses that are tied together, including a workout bonus.
Revis tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee last September against Miami, and underwent surgery the next month. He has been rehabbing since, and has indicated in interviews that he fully expects to be ready for the start of the regular season.
“We would love to have him as a teammate,” defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson said on a conference call when asked about the uncertainty surrounding Revis’ status with the Jets. “If he comes back, that’s a plus for us.”
About a possible Revis trade, Wilkerson said, “That’s something I can’t control.”
Sanchez had a similar reaction when asked about Revis’ situation.
“How would I feel if they trade Revis?” Sanchez said on a conference call. “It’s not my call. I think he’s a great player. I love him as a teammate. I love him as a friend. I don’t make those decisions.”
Tebow, who spent an unproductive season with the Jets last year after being acquired from Denver in a trade, showed up over an hour before the 8 a.m. reporting time.
Tebow is part of a crowded quarterback depth chart that includes Sanchez, David Garrard, Greg McElroy and Matt Simms, and it’s believed the Jets still are trying to trade him. If that doesn’t happen, Tebow likely will be released.
Tebow, who arrived at the Jets facility before head coach Rex Ryan, didn’t speak to reporters. He called his current offseason “my best yet,” when speaking Friday at his charity golf tournament in Jacksonville.
NOTES: RT Austin Howard, a restricted free agent, signed his one-year, $2 million tender. … WR Santonio Holmes was a no-show, but that was expected. He has chosen to continue rehabbing his foot injury on his own, according to reports.
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