New York Jets: Stay or Go, Percy Harvin Edition

Dec 21, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver

(16) fields a kick off in the first quarter against the New England Patriots during the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

We know that the Jets are in the middle of a search for both general manager and head coach. The direction of the franchise is going to be shaped in the next few weeks. It is an interesting time to be a New York Jets fan.

But, the New York Jets have a roster to think about as well. They have plenty of cap room, so for now, Rod Graves is charged with the task of moving the roster forward. There are players that have to be decided on.

One of the those players was a late acquisition made by John Idzik. When healthy, this player brought a level of explosiveness to the Jets roster not often seen. His name is Percy Harvin.

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons.

Nov 17, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Percy Harvin (11) returns a kickoff against the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Percy Harvin was drafted with the 22nd pick in the first round of the 2009 NFL draft. Though he ran a 4.41 forty yard dash at the Combine, many teams passed on the prospect when Harvin tested positive for marijuana. Right from his rookie year, Harvin made those other teams pay for leaving him on the board.

When healthy, Percy Harvin has been one of the more dynamic players in the NFL. Through his first three years, Harvin posted 17 receiving touchdowns. His best year came in 2011, when he posted 87 receptions for 967 yards and six touchdowns. Harvin also added three touchdowns on the ground, running the ball for nearly seven yards per carry.

Percy Harvin can get open down the football field.

Oct 12, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Percy Harvin (11) dives for extra yards while being tackled by Dallas Cowboys cornerback

(32) during the first half at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Don’t forget his dominance in the kick return game as well. Over his first two years in Minnesota, Harvin posted nearly 2,100 kickoff return yards. During his time in Minnesota, Harvin scored five return touchdowns, two of them going for over 100 yards.

In 2013 for the Seahawks, Percy Harvin didn’t see much action, but made a splash in the Super Bowl. In the second half, Harvin took a kickoff return 87 yards to the house, helping his Seattle Seahawks to the win over the Denver Broncos, and their first Super Bowl title.

Dec 21, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan hugs New York Jets wide receiver Percy Harvin (16) before a game against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Percy Harvin came over to the Jets in the middle of this past season. His use wasn’t consistent in the Jets offense; there were some games where Harvin didn’t see more than a couple of touches. But, he did post two games of over 100 yards receiving, including a 124 yard performance against his former team, the Minnesota Vikings.

Despite only being on the roster for approximately half of the season, Harvin was still, by far, the best kick returner on the roster. His 495 kickoff return yards dwarfed the numbers of anyone else on the roster.

Percy Harvin has quite a bit left in the tank.

Dec 7, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Percy Harvin (16) is helped off the field during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Jets 30-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Now, time to talk about the other side. Percy Harvin has spent a lot of time looking like the picture above. He has had a history of illness and injuries, dating back to his time in Minnesota. Some may remember Harvin’s struggles with migraines that caused him to miss some time.

Harvin had hip problems during his tenure in Seattle. He has had surgery to repair a torn labrum, and has missed time due to soreness in the same hip.

He even missed time with injuries here in New York. One could argue that Percy Harvin is not worth the trouble because he can’t stay on the field.

Nov 24, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Percy Harvin (16) against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Then we have the non-football related issues. First is Harvin’s salary. He is due to make $10,500.00 next year, guaranteed. That is quite a lot of money to promise one player that has only played in 16 games once in seven seasons.

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What about Harvin’s attitude? The stories were that Harvin had problems in the locker room in Seattle, that he would check out and not play at times, have altercations with players, etc… Was some of that a smear campaign leaked after Harvin left Seattle? Probably. But there was likely some truth as well, as where there is smoke, there is fire.

There were not these types of problems in New York, lending to the possibility that Harvin simply needed a change of scenery.

So, should Harvin stay or go?

Dec 21, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Percy Harvin (16) catches a pass against the New England Patriots during the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Percy should stay. However, they must be able to restructure his salary. $10,500,000 is a lot of money for a receiver with injury problems, that has never posted more than 1,000 yards receiving.

I believe the Jets get this one done in the end. They need his speed. Is Harvin an elite receiver? Probably not. But he adds a speed dimension to the Jets that they haven’t seen in quite some time.

Hopefully the Jets can get it done.