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Percy Harvin’s Big Game Bodes Well for New York Jets’ Future

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By @GregSulik

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When the New York Jets acquired Percy Harvin for a conditional sixth round pick a few weeks ago, general manager John Idzik referred to the trade as a “potential coup”. Last week, the Jets tried to force the ball to Harvin and struggled to get him going as a receiver. However, in yesterday’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Harvin looked like he could be the explosive playmaker the Jets have been looking for on the outside.

Harvin was targeted 13 times, catching 11 passes for 129 yards. The Jets only gave him one rushing attempt after Harvin carried four times in his debut, honoring his request be used as a traditional receiver more than a gadget player. Harvin showed good route running and reliable hands, and he was a threat after the catch as usual. Most importantly, he added the element of a deep threat to the offense in the form of a 42 yard reception that was the third longest pass play by the Jets this season.

This performance bodes very well for the future of both Harvin and the Jets, and this trade could yet turn out to be a steal. The draft pick the Jets surrender to the Seattle Seahawks will be either a fourth or sixth rounder, and either would be a bargain for the type of production Harvin provided on Sunday. It is very important that he consistently be productive, but when his big game is added to Eric Decker’s 9 catches for 63 yards and a touchdown, Jets fans have to feel much better about the receiver position going forward.

This is the type of performance that makes it much more likely Harvin will stay with the Jets long term. He is under contract for four more years at about $10 million per season, but none of that money is guaranteed and it would cost the Jets absolutely nothing to release or trade him later. However, if the Jets are comfortable with Harvin as a key figure in their offense going forward, renegotiating his deal seems likely. It makes sense for both sides, as the Jets would be able to lower Harvin’s cap number in exchange for some guaranteed money that would be very valuable to the injury prone wideout.

If Harvin continues to play like he did against the Chiefs, there shouldn’t be any hesitation on the Jets’ part for keeping him long term and making him a significant part of their offense. It was only game, but Harvin may yet turn out to be the coup Idzik claimed he was and the big play receiver the Jets so desperately need.

Greg Sulik is a New York Jets writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @GregSulik or add him to your network on Google

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