Percy Harvin’s first four seasons with the Minnesota Vikings has been great, yet highly complicated. He’s often dubbed the name “wide re-diva,” although his actions could be justified.
Harvin has expressed his frustration in the past and even threatened to skip training camp last year. “Just haven’t been happy lately,” Harvin said of his situation in Minnesota. But he didn’t go into specifics. The Vikings’ star receiver has had several “verbal exchanges” with head coach Leslie Frazier and even reportedly requested a trade. Not to mention, after being placed on injured reserve December 5th for a severely sprained left ankle – Harvin packed up and never returned to Minnesota’s facility. Instead, Harvin decided to rehab at his home in Florida. Coach Frazier and Harvin did not communicate often during the Vikings playoff-push.
It wasn’t until recently that Frazier had an extensive talk with Percy Harvin. He returned to the Vikings facility for a physical and was deemed fully healthy. “We definitely had to just talk in general about a lot of things,” coach Frazier said. “We had a good conversation. We talked, and it was a good conversation. So, hopefully, everything will work out.”
The Minnesota Vikings have a huge decision to make. You can call Percy Harvin selfish. You can even call him high-maintenance. But he’s a productive player and has only scratched the surface of his potential. Harvin is only 24 years old. Before suffering a season ending injury in week 9, some considered Percy Harvin an MVP candidate. He led the league in yards after the catch and was a dynamic player from the backfield, out-wide and in the return game.
However, Minnesota’s offense goes through Adrian Peterson, who joined the ’2K’ running back club in 2012. While Harvin is Minnesota’s best receiver and playmaker, the Vikings may need to move on from him. With or without Harvin, they’re going to target a receiver in some form or fashion this off-season. Harvin is in the last year of his rookie deal and there hasn’t been a strong feeling of the Vikings being motivated to re-up his deal.
Former Vikings QB Donovan McNabb has been adamant – “I don’t think Percy will be a Viking next year,” McNabb said.
So, what is he worth? I’m sure the Vikings value him, but let’s take a look at three recent receiver trades Harvin’s could compare to:
- Brandon Marshall traded from the Denver Broncos to Miami Dolphins for 2010 and 2011 second-round draft picks. The Dolphins and Marshall then agreed to a four-year, $47.5 million contract extension that included $24 million in guaranteed money. Marshall In 2012, the Dolphins shipped Marshall to the Chicago Bears for two third-round draft picks.
- Anquan Boldin traded from the Arizona Cardinals to Baltimore Ravens for third and fourth round draft picks in 2010. Boldin, who was entering the final year of his contract, agreed to a three-year $25 million extension with the Ravens. He had four years, $28 million left on his contract. The extension included $10 million in guaranteed money.
- When considering a trade, you have to take everything into account. Harvin has suffered from severe migraines in the past and is coming off an ankle injury. While he’s been productive, Harvin hasn’t had nearly the same statistical success as Marshall and Boldin when they were dealt. He hasn’t had a 1,000 yard season or hit double digit touchdowns. Factoring all of that in, no origination in their right mind will give the Vikings higher than a second-round draft pick.
- New England Patriots: Over the years, Bill Belichick has shown no fear in trading for players. He is reportedly a huge fan of Percy Harvin.
- Washington Redskins: Here’s Harvin’s best case scenario. Of course, Washington sent 2012 and 2013 first round picks to the Rams for Robert Griffin III. So, it’ll be tough for them to consider parting with more pick(s). But if finding a extremely talented slot receiver/playmaker is as important as I think it is for Washington – they have to consider this move. Harvin is best suited for an offense that can move him all over the place as a “utility receiver.” Not to mention, it would be a homecoming of sorts, considering he’s from Chesapeake, Va. In Washington, he would be electric coming out the backfield in the pistol formation. Not to mention, he doesn’t have to be the team’s #1 receiver with Pierre Garcon. He can be the best slot receiver in the National Football League. But the other issue is, Washington has an $18 million cap penalty which will make it hard for them to also sign Harvin long-term in 2013. He’s going into the final year of his 5-year, $12 million contract. Harvin will make $2,900,000 in 2013. Which is very cheap, considering the Redskins currently have three receivers that will make more money than that in 2013. Yet, only one – Pierre Garcon – is of Harvin’s caliber of talent. Math isn’t my subject, but Garcon was signed to a 5-year, $42 million contract in 2012. He’s Washington’s #1 receiver and he should be the highest paid. So, the Redskins would shoot lower than that number. Santana Moss, Washington’s lone slot receiver is currently set to make $4,150,000 in 2013. Joshua Morgan will make $3,800,000. Not to mention, the Redskins hope to sign their top pass rusher Brian Orakpo to a long-term deal. Although, they’ll likely wait and see how he performs after being injured in 2012. This may not be the most likely option, but it’s the best for Harvin.
