After what was looking like an upcoming soap opera between Percy Harvin and the Vikings, NFL Insider Jay Glazer has reported that the Vikings have traded Harvin to the Seahawks. Adam Schefter revealed that the deal is expected to include Seattle's first round pick in this year's NFL draft (25). It also includes a 2013 seventh-rounder and a middle-round pick in 2014.
A steep price to pay for a receiver who has yet to catch 1000 yards in any one season?
Maybe, but there is no doubt the Seahawks desperately needed help at the position. Sidney Rice has one strong year under his belt, back when he was catching passes from Brett Favre in 2009. Pushing him to the No. 2 spot, with Golden Tate sliding in at No. 3 makes this unit look much more dangerous than it did in 2012. Add Marshawn Lynch in the backfield and the team boasting one of the better defenses in the league, I wouldn't be surprised to see this team contend for the NFC West as soon as this year. So from a talent standpoint, I think the Seahawks made the best move possible. They may have been eyeing one of the top receivers in this year's draft class, but why not use that pick to get a guy who already has NFL experience?
The naysayers might bring up the fact that receivers have a history of going to Seattle, only to bomb big time. T.J. Houshmandzadeh is the most recent player that comes to mind. But that was the past. This team has a whole different coaching staff and a whole different mindset. There is also some doubt that Russell Wilson will be able to grow into more of a passer than a guy who takes the ball and run. But we saw what Wilson can do as a pure passer in 2012 when he passed for 293 yards on two separate occasions and totaled 5 touchdown passes (Patriots in Week 6 and Bears in Week 13). Throwing Harvin in the mix will make Wilson's sophomore year that much easier.
From a fantasy standpoint:
The trade certainly doesn't hurt Harvin's value. After seeing Christian Ponder's play slowly deteriorate as the 2012 season went on, having a smart quarterback like Wilson throwing to him makes his fantasy ceiling that much higher. Wilson's value should continue to grow now that he has an extra playmaker to throw to. And with defenses now putting more attention on the passing game, this should open up more opportunities for Lynch and the running game. The downside is that Rice's value will likely drop significantly. Harvin should lead the team in most-to-all receiving categories, knocking Rice down to nothing more than a hopeful flex option.
If this trade has shown us anything, it's that this is going to be one of the most exciting offseasons we have been a part of in recent memory.