What to do with Percy Harvin could be the most defining decision the Vikings ownership and management makes during the offseason. His contract expires contract after the 2013 season.
In four seasons Harvin has proven he’s among the NFL’s most skilled kickoff returners and slot receivers. He’s also been controversial, reportedly arguing with coaches and wanting to be traded. Because of his injured ankle he didn’t play after November 4, but rather than be on the sidelines for some of the Vikings important late season games he stayed home in Florida rehabbing.
At his season ending news conference yesterday, Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said it’s not unusual for a rehabilitating player not to be with the team and that Harvin is supportive of his teammates. Asked about what is involved with coexisting with Harvin, Frazier said:
“I don’t know if there’s anything that needs to be done. He’ll coexist peacefully, he exists peacefully now. Just get back, get healthy and get back on the football field.”
Former Vikings defensive lineman Bob Lurtsema, who remains close to the organization and is a closer observer of the NFL, told Sports Headliners on Sunday he thinks management will trade Harvin and could secure a first round pick in the 2013 college draft. “You can fight the system to a point and be belligerent to a point, and he stepped over that. They will get a No. 1 easily (in a trade).”
Whether Harvin is on the roster or not, Lurtsema said the No. 1 offseason need is to develop or acquire a deep receiving threat. While Harvin can be explosive after the catch and run for 20 yards or more, the Vikings need a wide receiver whose speed and catching ability can result in long distance scores like Randy Moss used to provide. “Get those cornerbacks to back off a little bit,” said Lurtsema who favors retaining Harvin.
The Vikings thought they acquired that kind of talent when last offseason wide receiver Jerome Simpson signed as a free agent. Simpson, though, missed some games (started 10 of 12) and never seemed to develop a consistency and rhythm with quarterback Christian Ponder.
Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings, a free agent this coming offseason, might be a possibility for the Vikings. With probably the best wide receivers corps in the NFL, the Packers are thought unlikely to retain Jennings.
While Ponder has erased doubts he is the No. 1 quarterback, it might be time to switch backup Joe Webb to wide receiver, or let him go. Lurtsema said the Vikings should replace Webb with a veteran quarterback like Sage Rosenfels who was cut before the season.
Webb, who has played three seasons with the Vikings, struggles with his accuracy and decision making despite being a gifted athlete. Replacing the injured Ponder in the playoff game last Saturday against the Packers, Webb threw some poor passes and stepped back in the pocket when he should have moved forward to avoid pass rushers.