Source: Percy Harvin traded to Jets
Seahawks wide receiver Percy Harvin runs the ball while being pursued by Broncos free safety Mike Adams during Super Bowl XLVIII on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014. Credit: Getty Images / Ronald Martinez
Six straight losses spurred John Idzik into action.
The Jets general manager has agreed to trade a conditional draft pick to his former organization, the Seattle Seahawks, for wide receiver Percy Harvin, a league source confirmed to Newsday.
The conditional pick in 2015 will range from a second- to fourth-rounder, according to ESPN's John Clayton. The deal is contingent upon Harvin's passing a physical.
The timing is a major surprise, considering the Jets' 1-6 record and Idzik's glacial pace when it comes to making moves. But whether it was done out of desperation or to keep hope alive despite the Jets' losing streak, this season now is about evaluating second-year quarterback Geno Smith. And having more weapons never hurt a QB.
The versatile Harvin, 26, has 22 catches for 133 yards and 11 rushes for 92 yards and a touchdown this season. On Oct. 6, he had three touchdowns against the Redskins called back because of penalties.
Harvin missed all but one regular-season game in 2013 after recovering from offseason hip surgery. He played in Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium in February, returning the second-half kickoff 87 yards for a touchdown in the Seahawks' 43-8 win over Denver.
Harvin is under contract through 2018, but no portion of his salary is guaranteed beyond this season. According to Sportrac, he will count $7.1 million against the salary cap this season and $10.5 million next season.
Money, however, is no object for the Jets, who have more than $21 million in salary-cap space and several roster holes to fill. And the good news for Jets fans is the team can cut bait after this season if they're underwhelmed or unhappy with Harvin.
Harvin was chosen by the Vikings with the 22nd overall pick in the 2009 draft. He was traded to the Seahawks in March 2013 for first- and seventh-round picks in the 2013 draft and a third-round pick in 2014.
Seattle -- which gave Harvin $25.5 million guaranteed, including a $12-million signing bonus -- reportedly had been trying to trade him for weeks, according to NFL.com. And within hours of the trade news, which was first reported by Fox Sports, rumors and anonymously sourced stories surfaced that Harvin is a malcontent.
Nevertheless, his presence should instantly upgrade the Jets' offense if he can stay healthy. He has 303 career receptions for 3,452 yards and 20 touchdowns and has rushed 118 times for 775 yards and five touchdowns. He also has five touchdowns on kickoff returns.
