Percy Harvin's future will be a headline to watch in the New York Jets' offseason. While the wide receiver certainly did his part following a trade from the Seattle Seahawks, he is certainly too expensive to retain at his current price tag which only gets worse over the next few seasons. The Jets another wide receiver to pair alongside Eric Decker, but it remains to be seen if that option is Harvin or someone else.
According to the New York Daily News, the Jets have no intentions of keeping Harvin at his current contract. Now, that does not mean the wide receiver will be released or traded from the team come March. The Jets will first see if Harvin is will to restructure his deal and potentially take a pay cut first. Harvin has already stated to the media that he has no desire to have his salary lessened, which could be what ultimately leads to a release of the wide receiver instead.
Harvin's stats were average in 2014 putting up 350 yards and one touchdown. Considering he was once a first-round pick and has a mega contract attached to his name, Harvin has no choice but to take a pay cut if he wants to remain in New York. According to new general manager Mike Maccagnan, the Jets intend to rebuild through the draft while acquiring pressing needs in free agency. All signs point to Harvin being replaced.
With a quarterback the expected first-round draft pick, could the wide receiver position be addressed in free agency? The Jets would have several options, it just depends on how much they are willing to spend on someone. Trades for Larry Fitzgerald and Mike Wallace are unlikely since they would require giving up a draft pick. However, the Jets could target players like Demaryius Thomas, Randall Cobb, Jeremy Maclin or even Michael Crabtree for help. The Jets do not necessarily need a super star at the position, but they need someone that can run alongside Decker and take the pressure off.
If the Jets can get a better quarterback, chasing after a huge name is not necessary. Harvin could easily be that threat, but his contract says otherwise. Thomas and Cobb might command top-dollar deals, but players like Crabtree or someone like Torrey Smith could be affordable options to replace Harvin in 2015.
