After a surprising 2009, Rex Ryan was convinced that he would have one of the NFL’s elite defenses this season.

But upon the start of 2010 minicamps, the signature member of his elite defense was nowhere to be found.

AFC Defensive Player of the Year Darrelle Revis has held out from camp.  Many analysts have him rated as the number one cover man in the league, and he wishes to be paid accordingly.  The current highest paid corner is Oakland’s Nnamdi Asomugha at slightly over $15 million per season.  Revis, an All-Pro who is still playing out his first professional contract, can make around $6 million this year inclusive of incentives.

So, Revis wants the Jets to show him the money.  But not just any money.  “Best defensive player in the NFL” money.

Now let’s skip to the other side of the ball, where, once again, the Jets have one of the best players at his position in the league – All-Pro center Nick Mangold.

Mangold, who wasn’t concerned with being the league’s highest-paid center, ended up being just that.  His new deal shattered the deal signed last year by the Rams’ Jason Brown.  Mangold’s contract is for 7 years and up to $55 million (including incentives).  The reaction from the 2006 first-round draft pick was one of unexpected gratefulness:

“It (being the league’s highest paid-center) wasn’t a sticking point and I’m very fortunate that the Jets decided to go that route. I’m very appreciative and excited to have that. I’m sure next year some young gun will come along and blow me out of the water anyway, and that’s A-OK in my book.”

“I had resigned myself to the fact that it wasn’t getting done coming into camp. Now that it is done, I haven’t really wrapped my head around it yet, but I’m very excited that it is.”

Jets center Nick Mangold got the contract that he deserved - - and more.

Notice that Mangold did what Revis has refused to do.  He has participated in camp from day one. 

Reports have broken that Revis may be close to signing a deal with New York.  Revis knows that he is held in high regard by the entire organization.  But by choosing his actions, he is not endearing himself to his team or his fans.  Regardless of the outcome surrounding Revis’ situation, the cornerback clearly could have chosen a smoother way of handling his displeasure.  Revis is forcing the hand of the Jets.  Instead of allowing his team to present him with the financial increase with appreciation for what he has done, he is holding them hostage.  The experience will not be remembered as a pleasant one and it continually creates unnecessary tension that will ultimately spill over onto the gridiron.  By contrast, the approach taken by Mangold illustrates the maturity of an athlete well beyond his years.  The center earned the utmost respect from his coaches and teammates by playing despite his dislike of his current compensation.

While athletes may feel that a forceful, abrasive approach may be necessary to open the organization’s checkbooks, it’s refreshing to see Mangold take a humbler stance on his negotiation.  Maybe it’s because he’s not one of those high-diva position players – like a wide receiver, cornerback, running back, etc. – but his willingness to be a professional surely worked on the hearts and minds of the Jets organization.

Darrelle should take note.  The Jets will probably fall into the trap of giving him too much money.  But they should beware. 

The tickets to Revis Island are almost assuredly nonrefundable.