Will Harvin be cut loose by gang green?

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In the middle of last season the New York Jets made a desperate attempt to improve their receiving corps. Now they have to decide whether or not the trade was worth it.

Percy Harvin came over from the Seattle Seahawks for a conditional pick in the upcoming draft and a hefty price tag. As a Jet, Harvin did not have an immediate impact receiving only 350 yards and one touchdown. He did however have an impact in other areas of the game rushing for over 100 yards and accumulating nearly 500 return yards in New York.

There is no denying that Harvin has talent but whether he is worth the $10 million price tag is the real question. The new Jets GM Mike Maccagnan will have to weigh his options and make a decision by March 19 because if Harvin is still a Jet the organization will be on the hook for the $10 million salary Harvin is due next year and will forfeit a 4th round pick to Seattle. If they cut Harvin loose by then New York will only give up a 6th round pick and not owe Harvin any money. It seems unlikely that Harvin will restructure his contract unless New York is willing to give him a large signing bonus and guaranteed money.

A big part of the decision will be how the organization feels about their current quarterback situation. If the new regime feels comfortable with Geno Smith leading team they may go after the Alabama star wideout Amari Cooper with their first round pick which would likely lead to the dismissal of Harvin. If the organization wants to start fresh with either Winston or Mariota as the signal caller the rookie quarterback will need some weapons like Harvin.

So really the question that will decide Harvin's fate is whether the Jets still have faith in Geno. Smith did put on quite a show against Miami throwing for over 350 yards and 3 touchdowns. However in every game before that he has looked very mediocre with a quarterback rating of 35.4 in 2014 and throwing 13 interceptions which tied his touchdown total.

I think at the end of the day the Jets have seen enough of Geno and will be willing to bite the bullet for a year with Harvin to see if he can help out whichever rookie quarterback the Jets end up drafting this spring.

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