Percy Harvins' relationship with the Minnesota Vikings continues to get worse by the day. After going back and forth on his future with the team, the disgruntled wide receiver is once again saying he wants out of Minnesota. Harvin now says he has no plans on playing for the Vikings this upcoming season and is requesting a trade from the team.
NFL sources are saying that Harvin has no plans on showing up to offseason workouts with the team that are set to begin April 22. Harvin's relationship with the team continues to deminsh since last season. He is not pleased with the coaches' plans for him on offense and looking to get out.
Minnesota general manager Rick Spielman has said the Vikings have no plans on trading Harvin despite rumors that the team was looking to get rid of the troubled wide receiver. The Vikings are currently under the salary cap and could pay Harvin additional money. He earned $2.8 million last season and could see an increase in pay if he sticks around. Harvin is currently signed through the 2013 season.
Harvin is recovering from an ankle injury that forced him to miss the final seven regular-season games. Harvin decided not to stick around the team while rehabbing the injury because he reportedly did not get along with the Vikings' medical training staff. He still led the team with 62 receptions and 677 receiving yards. The Vikings made it to the wild card round of the playoffs, proving that they can do fine without Harvin. If they do place the receiver on the trading block, the most they are expected to receive is a third round pick in return.
Without Harvin, the Vikings would be interested in a new receiver to replace him. A valid option would be Wes Welker if New England is unable to retain him. The Vikings have extra money to pay Welker the type of high-earning salary he is in search of. The Vikings could also be in the hunt to land free agent Brandon Gibson, who they could get for a cheaper contract.
Harvin will generate a lot of interest from teams. Despite character flaws, he is still considered a premier receiver in the NFL. The St. Louis Rams are close to losing two of their receivers to free agency and could use Harvin's services. The Kansas City Chiefs could also be interested, however their recent re-signing of Dwayne Bowe might diminish their interest in Harvin.