Jets, first round pick Revis near contract agreement

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (AP) — The New York Jets and first-round draft pick Darrelle Revis were closing in on a deal Tuesday night that would end the touted cornerback’s lengthy training camp holdout.

“We’ve made major, substantial progress,” Revis’ agent, Neil Schwartz, said.

Schwartz was at the Jets’ headquarters at Hofstra University late Tuesday night discussing a deal with general manager Mike Tannenbaum. Schwartz was uncertain if an agreement would be struck sometime Tuesday night or early today.

“That, I don’t know,” Schwartz said. “I don’t want to put the cart before the horse, but we’re working. We’re making progress.”

Revis, taken 14th overall after New York traded up to select him, became the Jets’ first unsigned pick at the start of training camp since linebacker James Farrior in 1997. He has missed 21 practices and the team’s preseason opener last Friday against Atlanta since camp opened July 27.

The holdup in the negotiations reportedly stemmed from the length of the contract. The Jets are looking to sign Revis to a six-year deal, while the cornerback wants a five-year contract.

Once he signs, the Jets expect Revis to compete for the starting job at right cornerback, a position Justin Miller, David Barrett, Hank Poteat and Drew Coleman all took turns at last season. He could also serve as the team’s punt returner.

Revis was considered one of the best overall cornerbacks in the draft, and had an outstanding college career at Pittsburgh, finishing with 129 tackles and eight interceptions.