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Which makes the last-place Jets an odd destination for Percy Harvin.
So why did the Jets pull off the trade today to acquire Harvin from the Seahawks?
For starters, the Jets were interested, and not many other teams were. PFT has heard that there were a few other teams that expressed some interest in Harvin, but not many. The combination of the $7 million Harvin is still owed this season and the fact that Harvin has a reputation for being difficult means that most teams simply weren’t interested in bringing him on board.
But as ESPN.com's Rich Cimini notes, this trade is completely out of character for general manager John Idzik. It smacks of desperation. The compensation isn't ridiculous -- it's a conditional 2015 pick that ranges from a second- to fourth-rounder, but the rest of it doesn't add up.
That said, Cimini was quick to add that anybody who watched Thursday night's loss to the New England Patriots saw a glaring lack of speed on offense. It's like they played on a 20-yard field. Eric Decker is a solid complementary receiver, but he doesn't force opponents to change their coverage plan. The Patriots put Darrelle Revis on Decker, and the other wide receivers totalled only three receptions. Jeremy Kerley has faded in recent weeks and the fastest guy on offense, running back Chris Johnson, doesn't play like the fastest guy.
Harvin has electric speed and can be used in a variety of ways, running and catching.
For all his physical gifts, Harvin has only 22 catches for 133 yards and no touchdowns. He also has 92 rushing yards and one touchdown. If he couldn't produce with Russell Wilson at quarterback, what makes the Jets so sure he'll do anything with Geno Smith?
Indeed, as ESPN1500.com's Judd Zulgad, who covered Harvin's time in Minnesota, tweeted: "Harvin couldn't stand playing with Christian Ponder. So he will have zero problem playing with Smith, right?"
Zulgad added: "It will be interesting when the New York media, and tabloids, start to push Harvin's buttons and don't care how mad he gets at them."
Harvin is a moody player with durability issues. If he's not happy, he'll be a problem in the locker room, a la Santonio Holmes. Interestingly, the Jets wanted no part of DeSean Jackson in the offseason, but now they're taking on a similar player.
Rex Ryan is a Harvin fan -- he recently referred to him as a "pretty special" player -- but the coach might not be around to reap the full benefit.
In the end, the Jets know what they're getting; there won't be any surprises. Idzik worked in the Seattle organization and is good friends with Seahawks GM John Schneider, who is a straight shooter.