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Seeking a spark for their struggling defense, the Kansas City Chiefs made one of the season's surprise moves Wednesday afternoon by signing veteran cornerback Darrelle Revis.
“First of all, it’s just exciting to have this opportunity to return back to football," Revis said. "I think the reason for me returning is the fire I have, the fuel I have to continue to play this game at a high level. I’m excited. I’m excited about the signing today with the Kansas City Chiefs. Pretty great football team and I’m joining their success. They’re doing pretty well right now and I think for both parties it makes sense right now.”
Revis had not been on an NFL roster since the New York Jets released him after the 2016 season, when his once sterling skills seemed to go into steep decline. However if he's able to manage a career renaissance, Revis and Marcus Peters would form a Pro Bowl tandem in the K.C. secondary.
“He’s awesome. He is really awesome," Revis said of Peters. "I love the way he plays. Been on the other side of playing against him and him making plays and be a little bit upset in terms of being competitive and wanting to win. He has taken the league by storm. He is a very talented player and I am excited about what we can do.”
The last team to lose a game this season, the Chiefs (6-4) have now dropped four of five, and their pass defense ranks 28th. However they still hold a two-game lead in the AFC West and seem to need more weapons if they're to reassert themselves as contenders in a conference that currently looks like it will be contested between the Patriots and Steelers.
“We’re excited to add Darrelle to the roster,” coach Andy Reid said in a statement. “He has experience and familiarity with Bob Sutton’s defense, he’s a team guy and we feel like a player of his caliber can help our football team.”
Neither Revis nor Reid would commit to the 11-year vet playing Sunday against Buffalo.
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Revis, a seven-time Pro Bowler, overlapped in New York for six years when Sutton, now Kansas City's defensive coordinator, was an assistant under both Eric Mangini and Rex Ryan.
Nicknamed "Revis Island" for his reputation for stranding the best receivers with blanket coverage, Revis' last all-pro season came in 2014, his only year with the New England Patriots and one that ended with him hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.
A first-round pick of the Jets in 2007, Revis returned to New York in 2015 but ultimately failed to live up to his five-year, $70 million contract. Slowed by offseason wrist surgery, he admitted being overweight last year and never looked properly conditioned, a factor Reid hinted played into Revis' decision to sit out the early part of 2017.
“I feel great," Revis said. "I think this time off for me was to reflect on my career and on where I’m at in my career and what I need to do of taking care of my body. Making sure I come back 100%.”
However the Chiefs have apparently decided the 32-year-old can make a contribution, especially with quarterbacks like Philip Rivers, Derek Carr and Jay Cutler remaining on the regular-season schedule.
“Darrelle is a proven player in this league and we are excited to add him to our secondary,” said Chiefs general manager Brett Veach. “He’s had a Hall of Fame career and his leadership and playing experience will be valuable to our defense.”
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