The New York Jets are exploring all options when it comes to improving their offense. When Todd Bowles took the podium at the NFL combine he stressed that every player would be evaluated and the team was committed to getting playmakers on the roster. It has already been confirmed that running back Chris Johnson is not one of those playmakers, but a decision regarding Percy Harvin has yet to be decided.
The deadline is approaching to make a very expensive decision on Harvin. The team must decide what the wide receiver's future is by March 19. It is not easy considering the offensive threat Harvin can be when healthy. However, he has four years and $41 million remaining on a contract that includes $10.5 million this upcoming season. While a release seemed all but guaranteed for Harvin, the Jets are determined to see what their options are with his contract in order to retain the receiver for the future.
"It's a process we're working through," general manager Mike Maccagnan said, via ESPN.com. "We're going to talk to his agent. We do think Percy is a very good player, but that's a process we're working through right now."
The Jets have been linked to several big names in the wide receiver department. Many thought they would pursue a trade for Larry Fitzgerald, but Arizona inked him to a new deal. Players like Dez Bryant and Randall Cobb would be a stretch, but the Jets could try for players like Jeremy Maclin and Michael Crabtree if they felt it was easier to let Harvin go.
Harvin had made it clear that he loves New York and the Jets, but he has no interest in taking a pay cut. The wide receiver will not earn close to that kind of money on the free agent market so naturally he is going to fight to keep it. Harvin would work in tandem with Eric Decker and create a nice wide receiver threat for whoever is at quarterback, but the Jets simply cannot keep him at his current price.
The running back spot will also take priority. According to the New York Post, CJ Spiller is the favorite in free agency considering his connection with Chan Gailey. DeMarco Murray could be a solid option along with Knowshon Moreno and Mark Ingram.
