2013 Fantasy Football: Percy Harvin Makes Russell Wilson a Top 10 QB

The Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks have reportedly agreed to a blockbuster trade that makes wide receiver Percy Harvin the newest weapon at the disposal of quarterback Russell Wilson.

The trade, which is expected to bring at least a first-round draft choice to the Vikes and is still contingent on Harvin agreeing on a contract with the ‘Hawks, would vastly improve the fantasy football draft stock of Wilson and make him a top 10 quarterback.

In his rookie year, Wilson finished No. 12 in standard scoring leagues at his position. He did much of that scoring with his legs as he dealt with a mediocre receiving corps of Sidney Rice, Golden Tate, Doug Baldwin and TE Zach Miller. What Harvin brings is a legitimate No.1 receiving threat who can also carry the ball out of the backfield. The offense could feature some dangerous and confusing sets with Wilson, Harvin and Marshawn Lynch all in the backfield. With a huge weapon now in tow, Wilson can improve on his mediocre passing numbers (3118 yards) in 2012 to go along with his dangerous legs and nose for the end zone. Barring a sophomore slump or a freak injury, he is a legitimate threat to be a top 10 fantasy football quarterback in 2013 and should be drafted as such.

As for Harvin, the problem has never been production, but health. Before 2012 he never had a serious injury and only missed three games, but did suffer from migraines that at times hindered his time on the field. Last year, he was on his way to a career season and was one of the top scoring fantasy receivers through the early weeks before an ankle injury put and end to that. Owners should still have some concerns about durability, but after what Harvin was able to do with Christian Ponder at quarterback, it’s exciting to think what he can do alongside Wilson.

Tate, who many believe overachieved a bit in 2012 based on circumstance, could be the odd man out here. Baldwin was the team’s slot receiver last year and the team may like keeping him in that role. While it’s too early to tell, both receivers fantasy value takes a hit here. All in all, fantasy owners should be excited at the boost in value this trade brings to a now (presumably) happy Harvin and the young and dangerous Wilson.

Rich Arleo is a fantasy sports expert with Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @Rarleo, ‘Like’ him on Facebook and add him to your networks on Google.