Lovie Smith: Bucs got 3 good players for same price as Revis

Photo from Pro Football Talk

According to Pro Football Talk, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers saved themselves up to $16 million when they released cornerback Darrelle Revis. With that money, the Bucs have been pretty active, adding several players that could be key in 2014. Bucs coach Lovie Smith said releasing Revis allowed them to get 3 really good players.

Per Pro Football Talk:

“It was not an easy decision because Darrelle’s a great player. But he’s not the only great player in the league,” Lovie Smith said, according to Buccaneers.com. “We just felt like we needed, instead of having one great player we thought we could get three. Instead of having one real good player, we felt like we could get three real good players.”

While Smith didn’t name the players, the club was very active in free agency, with cornerback Alterraun Verner, defensive end Michael Johnson, offensive tackle Anthony Collins and quarterback Josh McCown among the additions.

We'll see how it actually plays out, but on paper, Lovie Smith has a good point. My guess, though, is that Darrelle revis will return to form and make the Bucs regret treleasing him. Again, it all looks good on paper, but reality is a completely different matter. Josh McCown especially could prove to be successful for the Bucs. He had a lot of success filling in for Jay Cutler in Chicago last year. On the other hand, Revis is a top 3 corner when healthy.

We'll see when the season is over, Lovie. My money is on Revis making you eat that statement.