The clock is ticking for the New York Jets and Percy Harvin. The new coaching regime in place for the Jets must make an expensive call on the wide receiver before the mid-March deadline. It is a decision that will cost them draft picks regardless and potentially a lot of cap space. While the Jets mull what the potential of Harvin is on the roster, several teams are considering signing the receiver if available in free agency.
According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, Harvin is likely to accept a pay cut in order to remain with the Jets. However, if he is released, the New England Patriots are showing a great deal of interest. Harvin's contract is issue more so than his inconsistent production. The wide receiver is a heavy salary cap hit over the final years of his contract and the only way he remains in New York is if he accepts a pay cut. Harvin has come out and said he is reluctant to do so, but La Canfora believes the receiver could be coming around.
The Jets are aware they need a top receiver to pair alongside Eric Decker. That could be Harvin. He is a threat when healthy, but only at a reduced rate. He put up 483 yards and one touchdown during the 2014 season, but the Jets believe the 26-year-old can start to get his career back on track if he remains.
However, the chances that Harvin gets released are still pretty great which will leave other teams interested. La Canfora believes Harvin is the ideal fit for the Patriots and would benefit from having Tom Brady as a quarterback. The only way the Patriots bring on Harvin is if they release players like Danny Amendola or Aaron Dobson. Harvin would have to take a steep pay cut if those players remain.
There could be a lot of interest in Harvin including teams like the Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers or Baltimore Ravens. No one will trade for the receiver at his current price. The Jets would like to retain him, but also have their eyes on players like Randall Cobb, Jeremy Maclin and CJ Spiller. If the wide receiver can restructure his deal, Harvin will stick around.
