Percy Harvin's fate with the New York Jets has likely been sealed. The team needed another top receiver to pair with Eric Decker for 2015. They could have either opted to retain Harvin or go out and get another option and they chose the latter. With the trade for Brandon Marshall finalized, the Jets have acquired their second receiving threat and Harvin will be on the market come Tuesday.
According to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com, the Jets are preparing to release Harvin on Monday, a move that has been in the works for some time now. The Jets have been trying to figure out their exact commitment to Harvin after they traded for him during the season from the Seattle Seahawks. The wide receiver was due $10.5 million in 2015 and his salary cap hit only increases after that. Technically, the Jets can wait on a move until March 19 which is when they will owe the Seahawks a fourth-round pick, but if they are set on releasing him then why wait?
The Jets already gave up a draft pick to the Chicago Bears in the trade for Marshall. They are not looking to give up any more which means they will just release him in order to not owe anything higher to Seattle. With Harvin on the market, is there still a landing spot for him. When healthy, Harvin is a threat on the field both on special teams and receiving. He has bounced around in the league over the past two seasons as some say he is a locker room issue, but anyone in need of another strong receiving threat will make a run at Harvin.
According to Florio, the Patriots are seriously interested in a potential deal, but only if they end up releasing Danny Amendola. New England would be an excellent place for Harvin to re-establish himself as a top threat on the field, something that has diminished since his trade from the Minnesota Vikings. At 26, Harvin has plenty of years left in him and a team could jump on that.
The Oakland Raiders would be very wise to look at Harvin. The team is in desperate need of a top wide receiver and right now, all of their favorite options are signed. Jeremy Maclin, Julius Thomas and Randall Cobb all appear to be headed elsewhere which leaves the Raiders very empty handed. Getting Harvin signed and then chasing a young receiver in the draft could be what the Raiders need to help Harvin.
Florio is reporting the San Diego Chargers, Green Bay Packers or Carolina Panthers could also show interest in Harvin. The 49ers need a receiver while the Baltimore Ravens could also use to make a move on someone. Harvin would be one of the best available.
