Jets Likely To Release Percy Harvin Monday, Chargers, Packers, & Patriots Teams To Watch?

Update:

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk is the latest to report that the Jets are expected to release WR Percy Harvin on Monday.

According to Florio, the plan is to release him before the start of free agency, even though they have until March 19 to cut him.

As for teams that could be interested in Harvin, Florio mentions that the Chargers, Packers, and Patriots are worth keeping an eye on.

San Diego and New England seem more likely to have interest in Harvin given that the Packers just spent $40 million on Randall Cobb.

————

Dianna Marie Russini reports that the Jets will release WR Percy Harvin as soon as newly acquired WR  Brandon Marshall passes his physical to complete the trade with the Bears.

Yesterday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported that the Jets are expected release Harvin, so this is really more of a confirmation by Russini.

Harvin was reportedly unwilling to take a pay cut to be back with the team because he expects to do well on the open market.

This move reduces the draft pick that the Jets will need to send as part of their trade with the Seahawks from a 2015 fourth-round pick to a sixth-round selection.

Harvin, 26, had another four years remaining on his six-year, $67 million contract that included $25.5 million guaranteed. However, Harvin’s contract includes no guarantees in the coming years, and the Jets wouldn’t incur any salary cap ramifications by releasing him.

According to OverTheCap.com, the Jets will free up $10.5 million by releasing Harvin and create no dead money.

Jason Fitzgerald points out that the Jets will pick up $2.8 million in cap room, even after Marshall is factored into their cap.

In 2014, Harvin has caught 51 passes for 483 yards receiving while contributing another 202 yards on 33 carries (6.1 YPC) and two total touchdowns over the course of 13 games. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 34 receiver out of 110 qualifying players.