In perhaps the blockbuster trade of the 2014 NFL season, the Seattle Seahawks trade Percy Harvin to NY Jets on Friday. Harvin will be active for the NY Jets’ next game, as he flew to New Jersey and passed hi physical exam Saturday morning.
Harvin’s trade was officially announced just after noon Saturday.
The Jets lost a 25-23 heartbreaker to the New England Patriots on Thursday Night Football after a last-second field goal was deflected at the line. The long week gives Harvin time to get acclimated to the playbook before the Jets game next Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.
The Seahawks had celebrated Harvin’s return to the lineup this season, as the wide receiver had been out due to injury for most of last season. Harvin returned for the Super Bowl, where his appearance was punctuated by his return of the second-half kickoff for a touchdown.
Yet Harvin’s talent was apparently matched by his ability to create locker-room drama, reportedly to the point of getting into a physical altercation with at least one member of the Seahawks offense. Though the Jets are no stranger to off-field drama themselves this season, quarterback Geno Smith needs some receiving help if the 1-6 Jets are to make any semblance of recovery. Trading for Harvin was thus worth the risk.
In return for trading Harvin to the NY Jets, the Seattle Seahawks will get a conditional 2015 draft pick. Neither team confirmed the conditions, though reports late Friday night suggested the pick was anywhere between the second and fourth round.
To clear roster space for Harvin, the Jets released wide receiver David Nelson. The remainder of Harvin’s $7.1 million contract for this season is guaranteed, though the Jets offered no guaranteed money after this year.
Harvin has career averages of 11.4 yards per catch on a total of 303 receptions and 3,452 yards. His productivity had dropped significantly this season as he battled an injury. Harvin had been listed as questionable for the Seahawks game Sunday against the Rams.
