Minnesota receiver Percy Harvin let it be known that he’s unhappy and wants to be traded. The reaction is predictable on places such as Twitter: “Hey, [Team X] needs a receiver. They should trade for Harvin!”
Sorry, not happening. Minnesota has no intention of trading him. Harvin has two years left on his contract, but his displeasure also doesn’t seem to be solely contract driven (debatable). Harvin, according to reports, isn’t thrilled with his playing time. Pro Football Focus wrote that Harvin played 58.8 percent of the Vikings’ snaps last season. By comparison New England’s Wes Welker played 88.9 percent.
However, Harvin touched the ball 139 times from scrimmage (and 155 overall) compared to 126 for Welker.
The Vikings also lack other playmakers at receiver, so it makes no sense for them to honor his request. It rarely does for a club. Otherwise, a bad precedent is set. Teams don’t care whether players like them. They just want them to produce.
– John Keim
