Percy Harvin placed on IR. Season over.

[dkoby]

I think the MOST important thing to remember here is that here has been no significant indication since that brief incident in the spring that Harvin would want to leave the Vikings or that there's any real strain in their relationship. A heated moment during the Seattle game was probably just that: competitive fire coming out. We see it from football players all the time. Keeping Harvin is probably as "simple" as reaching terms with him on a new contract and the only real obstacle is probably the terms of that new deal.

I hope you are right. I could see if he had a beef with Chilly. I think no one liked him. I sure hope the beef (if there is one) isn't with Frazier. I could see the whole thing being disgusted with Ponder's performance.

[dead_poet]

Percy Harvin releases statement thru #Vikings. Disappointed he can't finish season. Injury hasn't progressed. Thanks medical staff, fans.

Kevin Seifert on Twitter

[PURPLE&GOLD]

Kevin Seifert on Twitter

I don't think we'll see him on this team again. But then, I don't think we'll see Frazier on this team much longer either. Just a hunch, and nothing more.

Purple&Gold

[S197]

That's one of the scenarios they absolutely need to avoid.

To me the question the Vikes have to answer about paying Harvin is this: does an unconventional #1 slot receiver deserve to be paid like one of the league's top outside receivers?

I believe he deserves to be paid. He brings so much to the table. Not only is he a great receiver, he's also one of the best returners in the game and also is very effective in the backfield. Calvin and Andre can go invisible at times, it's rare that anyone shuts down Harvin even when keying on him. His versatility is what makes him difficult to defend whereas a big deep threat receiver can be adjusted to more easily. I also don't think size is much of an issue, the guy is extremely physical and has shown the ability to not only use speed but also power to break tackles.

I don't like the idea of trading him because he's an impact player. I think his presence on the field is extremely beneficial to the team.

I agree, this would be a monumental mistake by the front office.

I think he's definitely worthy of a very lucrative contract... within reason.

For me, I would remove that qualification. Sure he can be dramatic at times but I think that's just an indication of his passion. The amount of time he missed because of whatever issue he had was nominal. He's very similar to AD in that he's one of those players that comes around once in a lifetime. We heard numerous announcers earlier this year say he would be their top choice (after a QB). I don't necessarily know if he'd be my top choice, but he's definitely in the top tier and should be compensated as such.

[Mothman]

I believe he deserves to be paid. He brings so much to the table. Not only is he a great receiver, he's also one of the best returners in the game and also is very effective in the backfield. Calvin and Andre can go invisible at times, it's rare that anyone shuts down Harvin even when keying on him.

His versatility is what makes him difficult to defend whereas a big deep threat receiver can be adjusted to more easily. I also don't think size is much of an issue, the guy is extremely physical and has shown the ability to not only use speed but also power to break tackles.[/quote]

It's not so much size that makes the difference as height. Because of his height, a receiver like CJ can do things Harvin simply can't do. I realize the reverse is true too and I'm not trying diminish what Harvin brings to the team. I'm just saying that what he brings is different than what an elite outside receiver brings and personally, I'm not sure if it's quite as valuable (although it is valuable).

For me, I would remove that qualification. Sure he can be dramatic at times but I think that's just an indication of his passion. The amount of time he missed because of whatever issue he had was nominal. He's very similar to AD in that he's one of those players that comes around once in a lifetime. We heard numerous announcers earlier this year say he would be their top choice (after a QB). I don't necessarily know if he'd be my top choice, but he's definitely in the top tier and should be compensated as such.

He's very important to the team so I think that's probably how the Vikes will see it too. I'd rather have an outside WR like Calvin Johnson but players like that are very hard to find. The bottom line is Harvin's an impact player and the Vikes need to keep him. Hopefully, they can do so and find a few quality outside receivers in the draft that won't cost them too much for 3 or 4 years.

[FailedtoOpen]

Only way I'd want Harvin to leave is if he himself was done with the Vikings. If the Vikings actually traded Harvin it would be a terrible mistake. The chances that you find another player (easily) with the type of Passion Harvin brings is next to none.

[Mothman]

Very difficult to put a value on him. His threat as a returner and the advantage in field position is huge along with the mismatches in the open field against linebackers and safetys. And, your right, he's not Calvin Johnson. How DO you pay him? Average No. 1 receiver like Boldin?

I think I'd lean in that direction, toward the bottom end of the NFL's top 10 receivers (in terms of salary, not statistical performance). At least that's where I'd start negotiations. I suspect he'll cost them more than that.

[mansquatch]

Harvin and AP are an awesome playmaking tandem to build around. It is non-traditional, but look at all the ways Harvin can impact a game: Kick off returns, Punt returns, mixing up the offense, short passes, etc. If we can find a half decent QB who can complete an occaisional deep throw that will only expand the threat he poses to a defense. The best part is these two guys really compliment each other. I say sing him and sign him big. Find a decent possession guy on the outside (doesn’t need to be great, just reliable) and of course, fix the issues at QB.

What is irritating is these skill players do not need a legendary passer. An average QB would do well on this team. As bad as Ponder has been I think they are closer to a run than folks realize. They just need Ponder or his replacement to get it together at QB.

I am so tired of writing that… Since 2005 this team has been “might be really good if not for the disaster at QB…”

[Mothman]

Harvin and AP are an awesome playmaking tandem to build around. It is non-traditional, but look at all the ways Harvin can impact a game: Kick off returns, Punt returns, mixing up the offense, short passes, etc. If we can find a half decent QB who can complete an occaisional deep throw that will only expand the threat he poses to a defense. The best part is these two guys really compliment each other. I say sing him and sign him big. Find a decent possession guy on the outside (doesn’t need to be great, just reliable) and of course, fix the issues at QB.

I think they need a deep threat on the outside more than a possession receiver, although I'd like to see them find both. If they can just get one, I'll take the deep threat. Harvin and Rudolph can fulfill the possession receiver function pretty well (ie: they're good for the 5-15 pass plays a possession WR would get).

What is irritating is these skill players do not need a legendary passer. An average QB would do well on this team. As bad as Ponder has been I think they are closer to a run than folks realize. They just need Ponder or his replacement to get it together at QB.

I think they need a little more than that (on both sides of the ball) if you're talking about a serious run at a title but but they've been competing for the playoffs this season so with just a little more help/improvement they might be able to get into the postseason.

[S197]

He's very important to the team so I think that's probably how the Vikes will see it too. I'd rather have an outside WR like Calvin Johnson but players like that are very hard to find. The bottom line is Harvin's an impact player and the Vikes need to keep him. Hopefully, they can do so and find a few quality outside receivers in the draft that won't cost them too much for 3 or 4 years.

Johnson is almost one-of-a-kind with his size and speed. I think other than CJ, the only receivers I'd take over Harvin would be AJ Green and Brandon Marshall. You can make a case for a Julio Jones or Demariyus Thomas but I think Harvin is in my top 5 of all receivers. That being the case, I'd pay the man unfortunately my bank account is a little short

[Tark10]

Looks like a 6-10 season gang.

[Mothman]

Johnson is almost one-of-a-kind with his size and speed. I think other than CJ, the only receivers I'd take over Harvin would be AJ Green and Brandon Marshall. You can make a case for a Julio Jones or Demariyus Thomas but I think Harvin is in my top 5 of all receivers. That being the case, I'd pay the man unfortunately my bank account is a little short

LOL!

Looks like a 6-10 season gang.

Maybe... but the Bears and Rams are beatable and Green Bay looks beatable too. After all, the Vikes had a reasonably good chance of defeating them in GB last weekend.

I'm guessing they'll finish 7-9 or 8-8 but I still wouldn't even rule out a winning record.

[mansquatch]

I think they need a deep threat on the outside more than a possession receiver, although I'd like to see them find both. If they can just get one, I'll take the deep threat. Harvin and Rudolph can fulfill the possession receiver function pretty well (ie: they're good for the 5-15 pass plays a possession WR would get).

I think they need a little more than that (on both sides of the ball) if you're talking about a serious run at a title but but they've been competing for the playoffs this season so with just a little more help/improvement they might be able to get into the postseason.

They need more, but they are closer than it looks. This defense can keep games reasonable, they just do not get any help from the offense. If average TOP was 50/50 or more likely in our favor with AP running the clock, I think our unit would look even better than it has. They are not complete by any means, but who in the league is? I submit that if Ponder was just average we'd be 3-1 in the division and would be in the discussion for a home playoff game. QB is holding us back, not defense.

I dissagree on the speedster thing. I think Harvin IS our speedster, Musgrave just isn't using him that way. (My guess is this is a QB concern) I think what is lacking is a guy who can go up and make the grab, a guy who makes his QB better. Rudolph can do this, but I think they need it on the outside as well.

[losperros]

I will say I believe the vikings need to explore trading him because 1) he does have injury concerns 2) i don't believe he's "all in" about being in MN 3) next year is a contract year and because of #2, he will probably want more money than the vikings can or want to give him and someone else WILL pay him and 4) this current team needs too many more parts to seriously challenge for a championship and holding on to one great player when we could get a few ready to play NFLers won't expediate that process

You seem to be in a hurry to get rid of Harvin. That's interesting in itself. Even so, here's looking at your reasons to send him packing:

1) Your take: Injury concerns.
My take: Harvin isn't all that big and he gets banged up. OTOH, Harvin usually can play through the injuries and it doesn't negate the fact that he's a stud.

2) Your take: You don't believe he's all in.
My take: I'd be willing to bet that it's more important what Harvin believes about that. You probably don't know. Neither do I. He does.

3) Your take: Contract year.
My take: The Vikings need to pay him for his worth, which correctly translates to big money. Check any other star NFL player's salary in the league about that dynamic.

4) Your take: The team needs a lot of parts.
My take: They also needs playmakers. There is no way to wiggle out of that one. Harvin is an offensive machine and a proven force on the field. If the Vikings can work something out with him, they absolutely have to do it. The notion that acquiring two or three average players will compensate for losing a great player simply isn't valid. Great playmakers are few and far between. Average players are littered all over the NFL. If a team has enough average players and too little playmakers, they usually watch the playoffs on TV during the offseason.

[losperros]

I dissagree on the speedster thing. I think Harvin IS our speedster, Musgrave just isn't using him that way. (My guess is this is a QB concern) I think what is lacking is a guy who can go up and make the grab, a guy who makes his QB better. Rudolph can do this, but I think they need it on the outside as well.

FWIW, Jarius Wright is a burner as well. That said, I think Jim means an outside threat that is also a deep threat as well. So it would be helpful if the guy who can go up and make the grab could also get downfield, since both needs are there on this team. Actually, I think there are some WRs coming up in the draft that cover all the basics mentioned, including making their QB better by making plays.

This is what I've been saying about Harvin. The guy makes plays happen. The Vikings need more of that from their WR corps.