Vikings Offseason Drama: The Percy Harvin Watch is Officially On

Nov 4, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin (12) carries the ball during the 1st half against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

The Percy Harvin situation will be a major storyline this offseason, whether the Vikings like it or not. Right now there isn’t a lot new to report. Harvin rolled in to Winter Park at some point in the last couple weeks and took his exit physical. Leslie Frazier reports that Harvin and his sprained ankle checked out. So there are no concerns about Harvin’s ankle. He should be all-systems-go once we get around to OTAs and all that stuff.

So the question isn’t whether Harvin will be able to practice and play, the question is whether he will show up when he’s supposed to show up. He could decide to just roll in, keep his mouth shut and play out the last year of his contract. But considering all the drama Harvin created last year – with his little trade demand during minicamp and all of that mess – I find it hard to believe Harvin will just play it out. I have to believe a hold out is in order for Percy if he doesn’t get what he wants.

But what does Percy even want? Is he after a long-term deal from the Vikings or does he want a trade? Would he even accept a long-term deal if the Vikings offered it? Or is he dead-set on getting out of Minnesota?

I’m not going to pretend to know what’s going on in Percy’s brain. I do think he’s given some indications in the past that he just doesn’t like playing for the Vikings. He’s probably heard a lot of the same rumors we’ve all heard. About the Patriots maybe being interested in him. Or the 49ers. Or some team like that. If Percy thinks he can force a trade to one of those teams, then I imagine he will hold out regardless of what offer the Vikes make him.

So the Vikes will then have to make a decision, trade Percy or play chicken with him. As we’ve seen in the past, players tend to be the ones who blink in those hold out situations. They always talk tough but seldom do they actually go into the season still holding out. My thing on that is, what do the Vikings gain by playing chicken with Percy? Better to trade him now with his value relatively high and at least get something before he walks. If you can get a first rounder for him, I think trading him would be a prudent move.

Like I said, I’m not going to try and read Percy’s mind. Who knows what plans are rattling around in there. Right now everything is supposedly peaceful between him and the front office but we’re early in the process. Frazier’s statement that Harvin is “in a good frame of mind” doesn’t really mean much. We know how Harvin’s frame of mind can change. He seems a bit erratic for lack of a better word.

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