Chiefs hope CB Revis has something left

Nov 23, 2017 - 3:43 AM KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Kansas City Chiefs made a bold move Wednesday to bolster their maligned pass defense with the addition of veteran cornerback Darrelle Revis.

The seven-time Pro Bowler signed as a free agent after sitting out the first half of the season resting his body and mind while shopping for the right opportunity to resume his career.

"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," Revis said. "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."

Head coach Andy Reid appeared ecstatic to make such a big-name acquisition for the postseason stretch drive.

"You're talking about one of the all-time great players at that position," Reid said. "It's just a matter of getting him back in the swing of things and seeing where he's at. He's excited to be here, we're excited to have him here. I would think his role would be to step up and be a starter. That's how I would look at it."

How quickly Revis can return to a starting role remains in question. Reid did not rule out the possibility of Revis playing Sunday against Buffalo.

"No, but he knows the system, which is the only reason I wouldn't, but I've got to see where we're at here," Reid said. "We're not going to rush him into anything until he's ready to go."

Revis' signing with the Chiefs means reuniting with defensive coordinator Bob Sutton, who served the same role with the New York Jets when Revis first entered the league.

"Bob has been very vital in my success after getting drafted to the Jets in 2007," Revis said. "He helped me. Helped me grow as a football player, he helped me grow as a man. Teaming back up with him and loving what he does as a defensive coordinator is a no-brainer."

The Chiefs rank 28th in the league in pass defense, allowing 253.8 yards per game through the air. The club struggled much of the season finding a running mate opposite All-Pro left cornerback Marcus Peters. Four difference players have played right corner for the team this season.

"If you're going to make a decision, if you have a decision to make to go one side or the other, you're probably going to go to the other side," Reid said. "Quarterbacks are going to go opposite a Pro Bowler and go to the other side naturally if they have a choice."

Revis said he relishes the opportunity to partner with Marcus Peters.

"Marcus Peters is really awesome," Revis said. "Love the way he plays. Been on the other side of playing against him and him making plays and being a little bit upset in terms of just being competitive and wanting to win. But he took the league by storm, very talented player and I'm excited about what we can do."

The last time Revis took the field, he appeared well below his former All-Pro level. A wrist injury slowed his preparation for the 2016 season with the Jets, leading to Revis playing well above his normal weight.

The Chiefs have pursued Revis since the beginning of the season, but only now does the veteran feel ready mentally and physically to help a team pursue its postseason goals.

"It's been a whirlwind in terms of me continuing to just work on my body and train," Revis said. "There's been a number of teams that called. For me personally it was just for me mentally to get my body back where I need to get it at, and that was a hundred percent."