Percy Harvin Cut by Jets: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

After playing half of a season with the New York Jets, wide receiver Percy Harvin's tenure has come to an end. 

The Jets confirmed the transaction, and general manager Mike Maccagnan released a statement on the news:

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Percy is a talented player who has been a model teammate with the Jets. We've made it clear to Percy and his representatives that we are open to a potential return if there is an arrangement that works for both sides, but out of respect for Percy, we want to give him an opportunity to test the market and evaluate his options. We appreciate his patience as we’ve worked through this process.

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Harvin was released by the Jets after appearing in eight games for the team following a trade with the Seattle Seahawks last season. 

It's clear the Jets' new regime, led by Maccagnan and head coach Todd Bowles, wants to make this roster its own in a hurry. 

To his credit, Harvin told George Willis of the New York Post in December that he hoped to remain with the Jets: “I feel at home here. I’m comfortable with all the players. I like the vibe around here.”

The Jets already made a splash in the wide receiver market by acquiring Brandon Marshall from the Chicago Bears, per ESPN's Adam Schefter:

Seth Wenig/Associated Press

That seemed to signal the end of Harvin's tenure in New York. Rich Cimini of ESPN New York recently broke down the team's options, noting Harvin's release was the most likely outcome:

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His recent production (52 catches over the past two seasons) doesn’t justify an exorbitant cap charge ($10.5 million) or his average per year ($10.4 million). The Jets have the cap space, but they evidently don’t feel he’s worth the big number, as Maccagnan hinted recently that they might ask him to restructure. Teams don’t like to overpay if they can help it.

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There's no denying that Harvin has electrifying talent and can be a great playmaker in the NFL. He had 218 catches for 2,625 yards and 17 touchdowns in his first three years with the Minnesota Vikings.

But Harvin hasn't come close to approaching those numbers since 2012 due to a series of injuries and a lot of burned bridges along the way.

Harvin turns 27 in May and will be an attractive option on a cheap, short-term deal. He has to be a piece for a team, not the whole offense, because there's too much volatility that makes him impossible to depend on.