Former Vikings receiver Percy Harvin was released by the New York Jets Tuesday. The move was announced just days after the Jets traded for Brandon Marshall from Chicago.
New York acquired Harvin in a trade with Seattle half way through last season. The hope was that he would provide a spark for a struggling offense, but things didn’t work out that way.
According to NFL.com, Harvin was due to make $10.5 million in 2015, but none of the money was guaranteed. So New York had to decide if it would keep him, release him or attempt to restructure his contract.
The move also means Seattle will get New York’s sixth-round pick – if the Jets had kept him, they would have had to send Seattle their fourth-round pick.
According to Pro Football Talk, Harvin’s first free agent visit will be with Buffalo and his former coach in New York, Rex Ryan.
“Ryan got a first-hand look at Harvin over the second half of last season, and he apparently liked what he saw of Harvin’s talents on the field – and Harvin’s attitude on the practice field, which has been questioned at times. If the Bills can get him at the right price, signing Harvin would make a lot of sense.”
Buffalo has already been busy rebuilding their offense, this offseason. They added former Vikings quarterback Matt Cassel, running back LeSean McCoy, fullback Jerome Felton, tight end Charles Clay and guard Richie Incognito.
Other teams are also on Harvin’s list though, including the New England Patriots.
Team to watch for Percy Harvin: The New England #Patriots. I’m told there is a good chance that’s his spot.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2015
NFL.com writer Chris Wesseling notes that Oakland, Philadelphia and Miami are also spots that could have interest in Harvin.
At 26, Harvin has already caught 332 passes for 3,802 yards and 21 touchdowns. He also has another 10 touchdowns rushing or returning kickoffs.
But by the time Week 1 rolls around, he’ll also be on his fourth team in seven NFL seasons.
