Despite their apparent leak to the contrary, the Jets are no closer to signing Darrelle Revis or D’Brickashaw Ferguson to new contracts.
A published report yesterday claimed the Jets were prepared to end their ugly contract impasse with Revis by adding six years to the disgruntled cornerback’s contract that would make the total deal worth $100 million.
But Revis laughed off that report to friends, pointing out that NFL contracts are not guaranteed and that the only thing that matters — at least in pro football negotiations — is money paid up front in the form of bonuses and other guarantees.
Under the league’s current system, the Jets could cut Revis before any of the six years kicks in, rendering the $100 million figure meaningless.
People close to Revis said he considers the Jets to be the source of that leaked report and that he feels it was yet another attempt by the team to make itself look good while making Revis appear greedy.
The Jets denied leaking the information, releasing a statement last night that said, “Throughout these negotiations, we have expressed our appreciation and respect for Darrelle as a player and a person, as well as our commitment to finding a resolution that works for both sides.”
Revis already is angry at the Jets for what he thinks was their leak to an Internet site last month — also intended to make him look greedy — that said he was demanding $20 million a year. Revis is seeking $16.2 million a year.
The agent for Ferguson, meanwhile, took issue with the same report because it said the offensive tackle was on the verge of a long-term extension with the Jets that could be reached before training camp starts Aug. 2 “barring unexpected complications.”
That was news to agent Brad Blank, who appeared to doubt a deal could get done that quickly considering he has yet to receive a contract proposal from Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum.
“It’s hard to say that [you could get a deal done by camp] when you’ve never exchanged proposals and don’t even know if you’re in the same ballpark,” Blank told The Post yesterday. “We haven’t heard anything from the Jets.”
Ferguson has two years left on a six-year deal.