The dynamic duo that was supposed to be Percy Harvin and Sammy Watkins never truly worked out for the Buffalo Bills. The franchise admitted to the media that they had high expectations for Harvin upon his arrival and the wide receiver failed to meet them. Now there are questions around what his future with the franchise will look like as general manager Doug Whaley is hopeful Harvin can return and be productive for the team.
Harvin ended the season on injured reserve with retirement looking like it was coming into focus. The receiver has been dealing with hip issues that once again became a problem for him and kept him off the field more than on it. As a result, many believe Harvin could have his contract voided and be released allowing the Bills to spend money on a better option for 2016. However, Whaley admitted that Harvin could still come back to the team as nothing has been ruled out.
"Absolutely. No doubt about it," Whaley said, via the team's official website. "Obviously the first thing for Percy is he's got to get completely healthy. Once he's healthy we'll reach out to his guy and explain that we'd like to have him back. I think when he was on the field people took notice and he helped us when Sammy was out. So we would love to have him back."
The biggest question mark to Harvin is his health. Since 2012, the receiver has played in just 28 of a possible 64 games. He is no longer a dependable No. 2 receiver, but that does not mean he will not come back in 2016. According to Chris Brown of the team website, the Bills could release Harvin and then sign him to a low-risk contract for 2016 allowing him to be an option to help on offense.
The Bills need a better No.2 receiver to play alongside Watkins. Robert Woods was good, but has yet to be great. The team has salary cap space to burn and could easily afford to make a move on someone like Travis Benjamin, Jermaine Kearse or Marvin Jones in free agency. Bringing back Harvin would not impact the need for a real No.2 receiver.
The Bills need to make adjustments on offense despite adding high-priced players in 2015. Charles Clay was not the tight end threat the Bills thought they were signing. Outside of Watkins and an injured Woods, receiver depth is also an issue. The Bills appear to be set at quarterback with Tyrod Taylor while LeSean McCoy and Karlos Williams make up a deadly running back tandem. If the Bills can add another talent at the receiver position and place someone behind Clay, they could be much improved come 2016.
