Percy Harvin likely to be traded by Minnesota Vikings: Who will pick him up?

Ben Cornfield | February 10, 2013 at 9:16 pm | 1 Comment

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin (12) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Metrodome. The Buccaneers defeated the Vikings 36-17. (Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports)

Regarding Harvin trade talk, if it comes to that, I bet Belichick goes after Percy. BB loves Percy. If I’m Vikes, I ask for the world.

— Judd Zulgad (@1500ESPNJudd) January 11, 2013

Percy Harvin was the 22nd-overall selection of the Minnesota Vikings and made a huge, immediate splash in the NFL, earning Rookie of the Year honors in the 2009 season. This, of course, after playing an integral role in the Florida Gators’ 2006 and 2008 BCS national title-winning teams along with another NFL enigma, Tim Tebow.

Now, however, and only a few years after he seemed like the future of his professional franchise, Harvin is more than likely set for a new town and a new NFL team.

While nothing is set in stone, Mike Max of WCCO has reported, via NFL Network, that general manager Rick Spielman is actively shopping the ultra-talented, multi-faceted Harvin.

After limping to poor finishes in each of the last few seasons, the Vikings proved they can win without Harvin in 2012. Running back Adrian Peterson blew the world away in nearly breaking Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record. However, and most importantly, young signal-caller Christian Ponder proved he can lead the team’s offense without Harvin lined up wide or in the backfield.

Harvin reportedly blew up at coach Leslie Frazier in front of his teammates. He has done the same while at Florida, where it’s believed that he physically accosted his wide receivers coach while Meyer turned a blind eye in an effort to win a championship. He also did the same to former Vikings coach Brad Childress, but Childress did not have the respect of a coach that is going to be there for the long term. Thus, Harvin was allowed back into the fold in terms of locker room reputation and loyalties.

However, this time around, his teammates reacted the way one might expect to a petulant star and failed to allow Harvin back into the mix. There are rumors that this is the reason why Harvin was placed on injured reserve in 2012, not because of his ankle injury — that did not require surgery.

Thus, Spielman and the organization are finally looking to dump the talented but troubled wideout. Harvin has scored at least one touchdown each as a receiver, running back and returner in each of the last three seasons. Obviously, he can be a star for any team that takes him on. But that team must be willing to deal with the petulance and turbulence of the young man’s personality.

That team may just be New England.

With a unquestioned leader at quarterback in Tom Brady and another future Hall of Famer in coach Bill Belichik, there may be no better match. First, the Patriots may be losing star receiver Wes Welker. Second, Belichik has been looking for the type of dynamic weapon that Harvin can be for quite some time. Harvin understands how to play with, and win with, fellow superstars, and he may have been acting out in Minnesota out of a frustrating lack of victories. That will not be the case in Foxboro.

Of course, Minnesota may ask for the world, but the Vikings probably won’t get it. Due to his behavior and injury history, the rumored asking price will be no greater than a second- or third-round pick.

Let the Rumor Mill churn.