Body Shots: AP Reacts To The Percy Harvin Trade
Over the past several weeks, Percy Harvin’s name came up in myriad trade rumors. One of the top suitors for his services appeared to be the San Francisco 49ers. Harvin will join the NFC West.
On Monday morning, the Vikings reportedly (per Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com) consummated a deal to send the receiver/returner to Seattle in exchange for several draft picks, including a first-round selection in 2013. There had long been stories of Harvin’s unhappiness with the coaching staff (new and old) and quarterback Christian Ponder.
The Vikings did a fantastic job getting the ball in Harvin’s hands during his nine games in 2012, and he was well on his way to posting career numbers when he sustained a season-ending ankle injury. Harvin finished the season with 62 receptions and 22 carries.
He leaves an offense dominated by an all-world running back for a more balanced and explosive attack behind Russell Wilson, who produced a fantastic second half and led the Seahawks into the playoffs. The Seahawks’ receiving corps was the subject of great scrutiny, an assessment that was not lost on Golden Tate when he entered the Twitterverse on Monday afternoon.
So, I understand that there is concern regarding Harvin’s past injuries, including the recurring migraines, and the reported locker room clashes. However, his versatility and big-play potential make Harvin a huge addition to this offense, particularly given Wilson’s ability to run the read-option. You can’t deny his impact between the lines. As for his truculence, the organizational makeup in Seattle tempers my anxiety. He’s reunited with Darrell Bevell, whom he worked with in Minnesota, and will play for Pete Carroll, who is a master at getting players to buy in to his concepts.
* For fantasy purposes, Harvin drops in near the top of the WR2 options as I stare at the early 2013 board.
Former teammate Adrian Peterson summarized his opinion of Harvin in a highly-distributed Tweet.
I mentioned the 49ers earlier. They responded quickly to Seattle’s bold move by acquiring playoff hero Anquan Boldin from the Ravens in exchange for a sixth-round draft choice. I’ll take a look at the ramifications of that move on Tuesday morning.
