New York Jets Acquire Percy Harvin on Tryout Basis

Oct 6, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Percy Harvin (11) runs with the ball against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

As Jay Glazer first reported, the New York Jets have acquired wide receiver Percy Harvin from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a mid-round pick, a trade that shocked the NFL world.

Harvin has been moved twice and is on his third NFL team since entering the league in 2009 after an illustrious career as a Florida Gator football player where he won two National Championships. He was originally selected by the Minnesota Vikings, but lower than he could have gone based on his talent because of problems off the field.

Those problems have lingered into his NFL career with his trade demands and unwillingness to work with coaches or front office personnel, and that is allegedly one of the reasons he was ousted in Seattle. Even Pete Carroll was unwilling to deal with Harvin anymore, and it was rumored that he wasn’t a fit for their program.

That’s pretty impressive, considering the impact Harvin had on the Super Bowl and what value he proved he could provide for the Seahawks in last year’s epic playoff run.

For the Seahawks, this move was about the fit that Harvin provided for their team. For the Jets, this was about making a move that didn’t cost them all that much and getting a guy that if he plays up to his potential is quite a steal. We’ve seen plenty of teams buy low on receivers in this league in trades. Most notably, troubled receiver Brandon Marshall was moved from the Broncos to the Dolphins then to the Bears before he finally found a niche and grew into his own as a man AND a football player. Hopefully Harvin is on the same path.

The Jets are absorbing Harvin’s massive contract, and the reason they were able to acquire him for a mid-round pick is because of that. However, Harvin’s deal is not guaranteed after this season, so the Jets are essentially getting Harvin on a one-year tryout basis. He has to prove worth their while, or they are off the hook for his near $42 million left on his deal.

In the meantime, they get Harvin as a returner, slot receiver, and big play threat (hopefully) along with other investments they made this offseason in Eric Decker and Jace Amaro. For Geno Smith, this is a great deal. Even at 1-6, the Jets are a team that has a chance to make a comeback after this essential bye week following a tough loss to New England, and hope to come out of it with a potential Wild Card playoff run if they can finish well.

Harvin comes with plenty of risks, not the least of which are his off-field risks, but he also has a lengthy injury history. It’s certainly a risky play for the Jets, but something pretty worthwhile when you consider the investment they are making both short and long term.