HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- The New York Jets and first-round draft pick Darrelle Revis were closing in on a deal Tuesday night that could end the rookie cornerback's lengthy training camp holdout.
"We've made major, substantial progress," Revis' agent, Neil Schwartz, told The Associated Press. "We're working on it right now."
Schwartz and Revis were at the Jets' headquarters at Hofstra University discussing a deal with general manager Mike Tannenbaum. Schwartz was uncertain if an agreement would be struck sometime Tuesday night or early Wednesday.
"That, I don't know," Schwartz said. "I don't want to put the cart before the horse, but we're working. We're making progress."
Tannenbaum also told ESPN Radio that talks were moving along.
"We've made very substantial progress and we're going to keep working through the night," Tannenbaum said. "We think we've found a solution."
When asked if the sides had agreed on the length of the contract, Tannenbaum said: "We've reached agreement on where we're ordering dinner from."
Revis, taken 14th overall after New York traded up to select him, became the Jets' first unsigned pick at the start of training camp since linebacker James Farrior in 1997. He has missed 18 practices and the team's preseason opener last Friday against Atlanta since camp opened on July 27.
The holdup in the negotiations reportedly stemmed from the length of the contract. The Jets are looking to sign Revis to a six-year deal, while the cornerback wants a five-year contract.
Once he signs, the Jets expect Revis to compete for the starting job at right cornerback, a position Justin Miller, David Barrett, Hank Poteat and Drew Coleman all took turns at last season. He could also serve as the team's punt returner.
Revis was considered one of the best overall cornerbacks in the draft, and had an outstanding college career at the University of Pittsburgh, finishing with 129 tackles and eight interceptions.
If he signs soon, the only first-round holdout would be top overall pick JaMarcus Russell, the LSU quarterback selected by Oakland.
The New York Jets and first-round draft pick Darrelle Revis were closing in on a deal Tuesday night that would end the touted cornerback's lengthy training camp holdout.
"We've made major, substantial progress," Revis' agent, Neil Schwartz, told The Associated Press. "We're working on it right now."
Schwartz was at the Jets' headquarters at Hofstra University late Tuesday night discussing a deal with general manager Mike Tannenbaum. Schwartz was uncertain if an agreement would be struck sometime Tuesday night or early Wednesday.
"That, I don't know," Schwartz said. "I don't want to put the cart before the horse, but we're working. We're making progress."
About an hour after Tannenbaum, Schwartz and his partner, Jonathan Feinsod, released a joint statement that said talks were moving along, the Jets general manager met briefly with the media.
"We have some more work to do, but I'm optimistic," Tannenbaum said. "Neil's here and we're committed to seeing this thing through. So, barring something unforeseen, hopefully we'll have a resolution here soon."
Tannenbaum said Revis was not present during the negotiations, and wouldn't speculate whether the cornerback would be signed in time to practice Wednesday afternoon.
"It could happen," Tannenbaum said. "It's certainly a possibility, but I don't want to mislead you and say that's certainly going to happen."
Revis, taken 14th overall after New York traded up to select him, became the Jets' first unsigned pick at the start of training camp since linebacker James Farrior in 1997. He has missed 21 practices and the team's preseason opener last Friday against Atlanta since camp opened July 27.
The holdup in the negotiations reportedly stemmed from the length of the contract. The Jets are looking to sign Revis to a six-year deal, while the cornerback wants a five-year contract.
"I wouldn't comment on that," Tannenbaum said when asked if the sides came up with an agreement on the length of the deal.
Once he signs, the Jets expect Revis to compete for the starting job at right cornerback, a position Justin Miller, David Barrett, Hank Poteat and Drew Coleman all took turns at last season. He could also serve as the team's punt returner.
Revis was considered one of the best overall cornerbacks in the draft, and had an outstanding college career at Pittsburgh, finishing with 129 tackles and eight interceptions.
"Neil's been great," Tannenbaum said. "We've had a lot of dialogue, a lot of meetings, a lot of communication and it's just been both sides committed to trying to do something that's good for both sides."
If Revis signs soon, the only first-round holdout would be top overall pick JaMarcus Russell, the LSU quarterback selected by Oakland.
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press
