NEW YORK — Revis Island is relocating to Tampa Bay.
The New York Jets have traded star cornerback Darrelle Revis to the Buccaneers for this year’s No. 13 overall draft pick and another selection next year.
The Buccaneers announced the deal on the team’s Twitter page Sunday, saying Revis agreed to a new six-year contract that, according to a person familiar with the situation, is worth $96 million — but with no guaranteed money. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the teams hadn’t announced financial terms.
The Jets will also receive a conditional draft pick, either a third- or fourth-rounder, next year.
Revis arrived in Tampa on Sunday to take a physical with the Buccaneers, who wanted to check out his surgically repaired left knee. He passed the physical and then agreed to contract terms with the Bucs, who then completed the deal with the Jets.
The front page of the Buccaneers’ official website posted a big picture of Revis in what appears to be a Tampa Bay jersey with the words: “Treasure Island. Darrelle Revis (CB). It’s a Bucs Life.”
Tampa Bay opens the season at — that’s right — the Jets.
Trade talk has been swirling for months involving Revis, with the Buccaneers thought to be among the most serious suitors.
Coach Rex Ryan’s Jets currently have the ninth overall pick in the draft that starts Thursday, and now the 13th pick, so new general manager John Idzik will be busy early in the first round.
The trade leaves Antonio Cromartie as the Jets’ top cornerback, a role he flourished in last season with Revis sidelined by a knee injury. And 2010 first-rounder Kyle Wilson mostly likely would be stepping in as the other starter.
The Jets could also target a cornerback — perhaps Alabama’s Dee Milliner or Florida State’s Xavier Rhodes — in the first round.
For the Bucs, adding Revis improves a secondary that already includes cornerback Eric Wright and safeties Mark Barron and recently signed Dashon Goldson. Tampa Bay finished last in pass defense last season.
The 27-year-old Revis was entering the last season of his four-year contract signed in 2010, but was looking for a big payday that would make him one of the highest-paid defensive players in the league. A clause in that deal prevented the Jets from using the franchise or transition tag on him next year, so if he likely would have become a free agent in 2014.
Revis was the subject of rampant trade rumors since last season ended. Complicating things was the fact Revis is coming off a serious injury. 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 he expects to be ready for the start of the regular season.
Against his former team.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.