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The rumor mill is picking up as WR Percy Harvin is apparently unhappy in Minnesota and it’s possible the Vikings are looking to shop around and see what the market offers. With the Dolphins in a continuing search to add talent to the receiver position, they appear to be a natural fit to reach out too.
Add to that an additional third round pick in next year’s draft, and the Dolphins have the makings of a team that could make a move for the speedy receiver.
MDD Staff Writer Chad Pullen AND Lead Editor Eric Galko
The cost of such a move is the big question however, and one that will need to be explored before any move can be made. Early guesses suggest it could take two draft picks to make a deal, but in Miami’s case, it could essentially be three, as in two picks in the 2013 draft, as well as the possible release of 2011 fourth rounder Clyde Gates. Harvin could man the return role as an even more explosive returner much like Ted Ginn was. With Gates already hanging on to his job by a string, trading for Harvin could make it much easier to give up on Gates and move forward.
Harvin does have some injury questions that would need to be examined as well, as he has dealt with migraine issues the last few seasons in Minnesota. Any team looking to trade for him would want to be sure he is right medically before such a deal. Harvin also has two years left on his deal and could possibly want a large payday, another potential headache (pun very much intended). Would Miami be willing to deal Brandon Marshall away and merely replace him with another mercurial receiver but a much smaller one at that?
Coach Philbin surely has seen what Harvin can do however as he faced Harvin twice a year in the NFC North. And the prospect of Harvin and Reggie Bush on the field together has to be mouthwatering for an offensive guy like Philbin and coordinator Mike Sherman.
While the Browns or Bills offenses may be the better fit for Harvin‘s skill set, there may not be a team in the NFL that needs Harvin‘s playmaking ability, creativity, and room for potential like the Dolphins, with a GM lacking job security and a team that is forcing themselves into the limelight.
Is he worth having around a young team? Is he worth the new contract he’ll likely expect (only has two years left on his current deal? Can he improve this receiving unit enough to make the trade worthwhile?
In my opinion, it’s worth risking a draft pick to find those answers.
