As big-name remaining free agents go, receiver Percy Harvin is one of the few remaining free agents with at least what once was a big name. And at some point he’ll be signing a contract with a new team.
Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Harvin “definitely” will play in 2016.
The Bills, who signed Harvin a year ago, have a pending offer. Other teams have made offers as well.
Harvin has yet to decide what he’ll do. According to the source, Harvin knows this is his last opportunity to have a major impact in the NFL. As a result, he’s looking for the right situation.
That could be code for Harvin wanting to play with the best possible quarterback that he can, in a situation where he’d be at or close to the top of the depth chart. In Buffalo, Harvin would be No. 2 at the very best, catching passes from a quarterback who, while good, isn’t a franchise-level passer.
Harvin has never had a 1,000-yard receiving season. However, he has managed to be a high-impact player from time to time. He was the NFL’s offensive rookie of the year in 2009 with Minnesota, and he was an early-season league MVP candidate in 2012. A surprise hip injury in early 2013 derailed his first season with the Seahawks, but he returned just in time to nearly win the Super Bowl MVP award.
Since then, Harvin has played in five games for the Seahawks, eight for the Jets, and five for the Bills. Last year, the Bills (or someone) were telling reporters that Harvin was considering retirement. He later was placed on IR.
Regardless of what he said or did in 2016, Harvin will be playing in 2016. The only questions are for whom, and when he’ll sign a deal.