Florham Park, NJ (SportsNetwork.com) – The New York Jets officially acquired
wide receiver Percy Harvin from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for an
undisclosed draft selection on Saturday.
The surprising trade turned heads when it was reported by multiple media
outlets on Friday.
Why would the Seahawks trade away such a talent?
Reports surfaced Friday night about a few incidents in recent months.
Harvin apparently got into an altercation with former Seahawk Golden Tate
before last year’s Super Bowl that resulted in Tate getting a black eye.
Another incident took place with Harvin and Seattle wide receiver Doug Baldwin
in the week leading up to the final preseason game this past August at
Oakland. Baldwin ended up with a cut on his chin.
The final act of drama occurred in Sunday’s 30-23 loss to Dallas when Harvin
apparently opted against going back into the game in the fourth quarter. He
ended the game with three catches for zero yards.
“Although this was an extremely difficult decision, we are constantly
evaluating our team and believe at this time, that this is in our best
interest to move the team forward,” Seahawks general manager John Schneider
said in a statement. “We thank Percy for his efforts that contributed to a
Super Bowl XLVIII victory and wish him well.”
Harvin, who has battled numerous injuries over the years, was acquired by
Seattle from the Minnesota Vikings on March 12, 2013, but he had hip surgery a
few months later.
He played just one regular-season game and two postseason games during
Seattle’s Super Bowl run last season. Harvin brought back the second-half
kickoff 87 yards for a touchdown in the Seahawks’ 43-8 victory over the Denver
Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII.
Harvin appeared in each of the Seahawks’ first five games this season, hauling
in 22 passes for 133 yards and rushing for 92 yards on 11 carries with a
touchdown.
The Seahawks ultimately decided that Harvin “just wasn’t a fit” with the rest
of the team.
In order to make room for Harvin, the Jets released veteran wide receiver
David Nelson.
