NEW YORK JETS DAILY CLIPS

October 19, 2014

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Table of Contents

ASSOCIATED PRESS ................................................................................................................................................ 2

Jets announce trade for receiver Percy Harvin (Barry Wilner) .................................................................................. 2

NEWSDAY .............................................................................................................................................................. 2

Jets acquire Percy Harvin, release David Nelson (Kimberley Martin) ....................................................................... 2

Jets' trade for Percy Harvin brings up one big question: Why? (Bob Glauber) ......................................................... 3

THE RECORD .......................................................................................................................................................... 5

Jets' Percy Harvin passes physical (J.P. Pelzman) ...................................................................................................... 5

Percy Harvin officially a New York Jet (J.P. Pelzman) ................................................................................................ 6

NJ ADVANCE MEDIA .............................................................................................................................................. 7

Jets film spotlight: Chris Johnson got boosted carries he wanted vs. Patriots. Will he return next year? (Darryl Slater) ........................................................................................................................................................................ 7

Percy Harvin trade: Jets to get sixth-round pick that can become fourth-rounder, per report (Dom Cosentino) ... 9

Percy Harvin trade: Jets getting him means Geno Smith has no more excuses (Dom Cosentino) ........................... 9

Source: Jets to cut WR David Nelson to make room for Percy Harvin (Darryl Slater) ............................................. 10

NEW YORK POST .................................................................................................................................................. 11

The ugly reason the Jets got Percy Harvin for so little (Mark Cannizzaro) .............................................................. 11

Jets cutting David Nelson to make room for Percy Harvin (Brian Costello) ............................................................ 12

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS ...................................................................................................................................... 13

NY Jets GM John Idzik got Percy Harvin to possibly help inconsistent Geno Smith — not Rex Ryan (Manish Mehta) ..................................................................................................................................................................... 13

Sunday Morning Quarterback: Handicapping where Rex Ryan will wind up after NY Jets days come to an end (Gary Myers) ............................................................................................................................................................ 15

Sources: Percy Harvin involved in several ugly incidents while with Seahawks, including fight with teammate Golden Tate (Seth Walder and Manish Mehta) ...................................................................................................... 18

The lost season: Paying attention to the 1-6 NY Jets would be a waste of air and space rest of the year (Bob Raissman) ................................................................................................................................................................ 19

NY Jets release WR David Nelson after surprise trade for Percy Harvin (Manish Mehta) ...................................... 21

NEW YORK TIMES ................................................................................................................................................ 22

Jets Confirm Deal for Harvin (Ben Shpigel) ............................................................................................................. 22

ESPN NEW YORK .................................................................................................................................................. 22

Percy Harvin's long list of troubles, from high school to Seattle (Rich Cimini) ....................................................... 22

It's official: Jets confirm Percy Harvin trade (Rich Cimini) ....................................................................................... 23

Source: Jets will release David Nelson to make room for Percy Harvin (Rich Cimini) ............................................. 24

SATURDAY’S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS .................................................................................................................. 24

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ASSOCIATED PRESS

Jets announce trade for receiver Percy Harvin (Barry Wilner) Associated Press October 18, 2014

http://pro32.ap.org/article/jets-announce-trade-receiver-percy-harvin

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — The New York Jets announced Saturday they have acquired wide receiver Percy Harvin from the Seattle Seahawks for a conditional draft pick.

Making official a trade that was reported Friday, the Jets get a star from last season's Super Bowl but a player who is injury prone. Harvin brings versatility and game-breaking skills to the Jets, who have lost their last six games to fall to 1-6.

New York released receiver David Nelson to make room for Harvin.

General manager John Idzik called Harvin a "dynamic player who has been productive on offense and special teams." Seahawks general manager John Schneider noted Harvin's contributions to the Super Bowl and called the decision to trade him "extremely difficult."

"We are constantly evaluating our team and believe at this time that this is in our best interest to move the team forward," Schneider said.

The 26-year-old receiver has played in 60 games with only 47 career starts since being a first-round pick by Minnesota in 2009. He was traded to the Seahawks in 2013 for a 2013 first-round and seventh-round draft choice and a 2014 third-rounder.

He appeared in just one regular-season game in 2013 because of hip surgery. But Harvin ran back the second-half kickoff 87 yards for a touchdown in Seattle's 43-8 rout of Denver in the Super Bowl.

Harvin has battled a thigh injury and was listed as questionable for the Seahawks' game at St. Louis this weekend before the trade was completed. The Seahawks have tried to find ways to use him — runner, receiver and special teams — but the injury woes slowed their plans.

This season, Harvin has 22 receptions for 133 yards, with 12 of those catches coming behind the line of scrimmage. He has only one catch on a ball thrown more than 10 yards, according to STATS. Harvin's average of 6 yards per catch is last among all wide receivers in the NFL averaging at least two receptions a game.

He also has 11 runs for 92 yards and a touchdown, and 12 kickoff returns for 283 yards.

New York's offense has struggled. Harvin figures to team with Eric Decker and Jeremy Kerley as the Jets' main weapons in a so-far weak passing game with Geno Smith at quarterback.

As a rookie, he made the Pro Bowl and the Offensive Rookie of the Year. Harvin's best season was 2011, with 87 receptions for 967 yards and six TDs. He also rushed for 345 yards and two scores, and averaged 32.5 yards per kickoff return.

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NEWSDAY

Jets acquire Percy Harvin, release David Nelson (Kimberley Martin) Newsday October 18, 2014

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http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/jets-acquire-percy-harvin-release-david-nelson-1.9519244

The Jets released receiver David Nelson to make room for Percy Harvin, the team announced Saturday.

Nelson -- a former teammate of Harvin's on Florida's national championship team -- has eight catches for 65 yards and no touchdowns this season.

On Friday, a source confirmed to Newsday that the Jets agreed to give a conditional 2015 draft pick to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for Harvin - a shocking move, considering Jets general manager John Idzik has been sitting on about $21 million in available salary cap space since training camp.

The organization announced the Harvin trade Saturday after he passed his physical.

Nelson, the ultimate locker room guy, often voiced confidence that the Jets (1-5) could turn their season around. But he hasn't left a lasting mark on the field: he caught a total of 44 passes for 488 yards and two touchdowns in 18 games for the Jets.

Harvin, meanwhile, has a long history - from college and through his time with the Vikings and Seahawks - of being a difficult player to deal with.

The Seahawks said they had done their due diligence before acquiring Harvin - the 22nd overall pick in the 2009 - from Minnesota for first- and seventh-round picks in the 2013 draft and a third-round pick in 2014. At the time, Seattle coach Pete Carroll called the move a "no-brainer." Harvin, who was often hampered by injuries, had little production for the Seahawks - except for his kickoff-return touchdown in Super Bowl XLVII at MetLife Stadium.

With Harvin on their team, Seattle won the Lombardi Trophy. But by sending him to the Jets, Carroll and GM John Schneider admitted the trade didn't work out.

In the aftermath of the trade, reports surfaced of Harvin's aggressive behavior toward teammates. According to a Houston sports radio host, Harvin gave Seahawks teammate Golden Tate a black eye a week before the Super Bowl and, per The Seattle Times, Harvin and fellow receiver Doug Baldwin got into a fight during this year's preseason.

Production is the bottom line in the NFL. And the Jets are a team that is desperate for another offensive weapon - and a win. It's unclear what Harvin's effect on the Jets and their locker-room dynamic will be. In the same way Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall has revamped his image and become a model citizen in Chicago, Harvin also could find fulfillment in Florham Park. Perhaps he could be the ultimate team-guy, given the right situation and the right head coach. Who knows?

But one thing is certain: Idzik knows exactly what he's getting.

The second-year Jets GM was the Seahawks' vice president of football administration from 2007-12. And in Idzik's short reign, he's shown that he prefers to do business with his former team. Starting right tackle Breno Giacomini, current starting cornerback Phillip Adams - and now Harvin - all have Seattle ties.

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Jets' trade for Percy Harvin brings up one big question: Why? (Bob Glauber) Newsday October 18, 2014

http://www.newsday.com/sports/columnists/bob-glauber/jets-trade-for-percy-harvin-brings-up-one-big-question-why-1.9518067

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The Jets have traded for Seahawks wide receiver Percy Harvin, which prompts us to say, simply: Wow. And then to ask, simply: Why?

It's a rare in-season blockbuster deal, especially between one team that is 1-6 and essentially out of the playoff race and another that is 3-2 and the defending Super Bowl champion -- a Super Bowl in which Harvin showed just how dazzling he can be when his health and his head are in the right place.

The Jets will be the third team for the wide receiver, whom the Vikings selected in the first round with the 22nd overall pick in 2009 and traded to the Seahawks in March 2013 for first- and seventh-round picks in 2013 and a third-rounder in 2014.

That's an awful lot of bouncing around for an elite talent -- one who spent much of his time in Minnesota dealing with migraine headaches, ankle and hip injuries, and contract complaints.

When he's right in body and mind, Harvin is one of the most electrifying players in the game. Unfortunately for the two teams that have invested big money in him -- the Seahawks gave him a six-year, $67- million contract that included $25.5 million in guarantees -- Harvin has been big on drama and injury and mostly short on performance.

He spent most of last season rehabbing from hip surgery, but the Seahawks gambled that he'd be healthy by the end of the season. Harvin played in just one regular-season game on Nov. 17 and had only one catch for 17 yards, suffering complications from the surgery that kept him out of action until the playoffs.

He made it back in time for the divisional round of the NFC playoffs, helping the Seahawks to a 23-15 win over the Saints. A concussion left him unable to play in the NFC Championship Game, but he came back for the Super Bowl and was a key factor in Seattle's 43-8 win over the Broncos at MetLife Stadium. He returned the second-half kickoff 87 yards for a touchdown as the Seahawks took a 29-0 lead and had two rushes for 45 yards.

Harvin had what would have been a dramatic performance in Seattle's 27-17 win over Washington in a Monday night game on Oct. 6, but his three touchdowns (two receiving, one rushing) were all called back because of penalties on the Seahawks' offense.

Harvin's moments of brilliance have been largely overshadowed by his injuries and his attitude, and unless there is demonstrable evidence that he will be a reliable presence on the field and in the locker room, we'll have to put this trade in the high-risk category.

At 26, Harvin still is in the prime of his career, but as the Jets already have seen with another mercurial 26-year-old wide receiver they once traded for, the risk might not be worth the reward.

After the Jets acquired Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes from the Steelers in 2010, he turned into a major contributor in the Jets' run to the AFC Championship Game that year. But he also turned into a locker-room distraction, and the Jets bid him adieu this past offseason.

It was a case of good riddance, especially once the Jets replaced him with Broncos free agent Eric Decker, a much more reliable player and teammate.

But even with Decker, the Jets' receiving corps lacked a game-breaking type of player, and Harvin certainly fits that description when he's ready to play. But all too often during his days with the Vikings and then his brief stint with the Seahawks, he hasn't been ready to answer the bell on game day.

Jets general manager John Idzik has been widely criticized for not making bold moves and using up some of the $20-plus million in salary- cap space the Jets created after getting out from under the cap-constraining contracts of Holmes, Mark Sanchez and others.

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Is he reacting to the pressure by trading for Harvin, especially when there's a strong likelihood the Jets will have a new head coach next season? Or does Harvin figure into Idzik's long-term planning process? He certainly is young enough to fit into that vision, but he hasn't been reliable enough to count on.

That the Seahawks were willing to give up on Harvin so quickly ought to at least raise some red flags. And for a team that's already out of it less than halfway through the season, you have to wonder what the upside is, other than to create some buzz for a season gone bad.

That hasn't been Idzik's modus operandi in his very deliberate roster construction, so perhaps other factors are at work. Team owner Woody Johnson was enamored of another temperamental speed receiver in the offseason, but the Jets didn't pull off a trade for DeSean Jackson, who went to Washington. Maybe Harvin is the consolation prize.

Whatever the case, it's a "wow" moment for a Jets team that has gone kaput early. But we still can't get away from that other one-word reaction to this blockbuster deal: Why?

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THE RECORD

Jets' Percy Harvin passes physical (J.P. Pelzman) The Record October 19, 2014

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/football/harvin-passes-his-physical-1.1112604

The Jets made it official Saturday, announcing the acquisition of wide receiver Percy Harvin from Seattle after he passed a team physical.

So apparently his body is sound, despite numerous injuries that have plagued Harvin during his NFL career.

The biggest question now becomes whether the Jets can get his mind right.

Numerous disturbing reports about Harvin's conduct in the locker room and on the sideline have surfaced since the trade, seemingly answering the question of why Seattle would give up the 26-year-old speedster for a conditional draft choice after spending three picks to acquire him from Minnesota in 2013.

Harvin punched then-teammate Golden Tate several days before the Super Bowl, giving him a black eye, according to multiple reports. Harvin also got into an altercation with fellow wideout Doug Baldwin in August, and Baldwin suffered a cut on his chin.

And Harvin refused to reenter the loss to Dallas last week, according to the Seattle Times.

The Jets likely believe Rex Ryan, known as a "players' coach," can get the most out of Harvin and keep him from becoming a problem in the locker room.

Of course, Ryan was unable to keep the similarly talented but mercurial Santonio Holmes from being a distraction in the locker room. The Jets released Holmes during the off-season. Nor could Ryan get through to running back Mike Goodson and cornerback Dimitri Patterson, both of whom went AWOL from the Jets this year and subsequently were released.

Interestingly, veteran wideout David Nelson, a teammate of Harvin's at the University of Florida, was released to make room on the roster.

Nelson, who missed one game with an ankle injury, had eight receptions for 65 yards this season. He signed a two-year deal with the Jets in October 2013, and had 36 receptions for 423 yards and two

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touchdowns last season. He also was a positive presence in the locker room, and off the field was heavily involved in charity work for orphaned children in Haiti.

"Percy is a versatile, dynamic player who has been productive on offense and special teams," Jets general manager John Idzik said in a statement on the team's website. "We're excited about adding him to the Jets."

Harvin has 22 receptions for only 133 yards and no touchdowns this season, and was questionable for Seattle's game at St. Louis today because of a thigh injury. He practiced Friday after sitting out Thursday.

"Although this was an extremely difficult decision," Seattle general manager John Schneider said in a statement, "we are constantly evaluating our team and believe at this time that this is in our best interest to move the team forward. We thank Percy for his efforts that contributed to a Super Bowl XLVIII victory and wish him well."

Idzik was part of Seattle's front office under Schneider before coming to the Jets.

Although he played in only one regular-season game last season because of a hip injury, Harvin suited up for the Seahawks' Super Bowl victory over Denver in East Rutherford. In fact, he had his biggest moment as a pro there, returning the second-half kickoff 87 yards for a touchdown to help ice Seattle's blowout victory over Denver.

The Jets hope it's not the last big play he makes at MetLife Stadium.

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Percy Harvin officially a New York Jet (J.P. Pelzman) The Record October 18, 2014

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/percy-harvin-officially-a-new-york-jet-1.1112450

The Jets made it official today, announcing the acquisition of wide receiver Percy Harvin from Seattle for a conditional draft choice in 2015.

Veteran wideout David Nelson, a teammate of Harvin’s at the University of Florida, was released to make room on the roster.

“Percy is a versatile, dynamic player who has been productive on offense and special teams," Jets general manager John Idzik said in a story on the team’s website. "We’re excited about adding him to the Jets.”

Harvin has 22 receptions for only 133 yards and no touchdowns this season and was questionable for Seattle’s game at St. Louis on Sunday because of a thigh injury. He sat out practice Thursday. The Jets’ next game is against visiting Buffalo on Oct. 26.

Harvin has 92 rushing yards and one touchdown on 11 carries. He also has value as a kickoff returner, averaging 27.7 yards in his career with five touchdowns.

The trade comes amid multiple reports that Harvin was involved in fights with fellow wideouts Golden Tate and Doug Baldwin while with the Seahawks. The altercation with Tate, now with Detroit, allegedly happened before the Super Bowl and the one with Baldwin is said to have taken place in August.

“Although this was an extremely difficult decision,” Seattle general manager John Schneider said in a statement, “we are constantly evaluating our team and believe at this time, that this is in our best interest to move the team forward. We thank Percy for his efforts that contributed to a Super Bowl XLVIII victory and wish him well.”

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The sixth-year pro has 303 career receptions for an 11.4-yard average and 20 touchdowns. But the injury-prone Harvin, 26, has played in only 15 games since the start of the 2012 campaign. Harvin, selected by Minnesota with the 22nd overall pick in the 2009 draft, missed the last seven games of the 2012 campaign.

Harvin then was acquired by the Seahawks in a trade with Minnesota in March 2013, but played in only one game for Seattle last season because of a hip injury. Seattle gave the Vikings first- and seventh-round picks in 2013, and a third-rounder in 2014. The Seahawks signed him to a six-year, $67 million contract with $25.5 million guaranteed. There is no guaranteed money due him after this season. The Jets will pay him $7.1 million for the rest of this season.

Nelson, who missed one game with an ankle injury, had eight receptions for 65 yards this season. He signed a two-year deal with the Jets in Oct. 2013 and had 36 receptions for 423 yards and two touchdowns last season. He also was a positive presence in the locker room and off the field was involved heavily in charity work for orphaned children in Haiti.

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NJ ADVANCE MEDIA

Jets film spotlight: Chris Johnson got boosted carries he wanted vs. Patriots. Will he return next year? (Darryl Slater) Star-Ledger October 18, 2014

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/10/jets_player_film_spotlight_chris_johnson_got_increased_workload_he_wanted_vs_patriots_will_he_be_bac.html

Last week, Jets running back Chris Johnson made it clear that he wanted to carry the ball more – and that, in a broader sense, he wanted to see offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg stick with the running game for longer.

Thursday night’s 27-25 loss at the Patriots provided a chance for the Jets to run often. Between a strong effort from the offensive line, and the burst Johnson showed, there were some signs of hope in the Jets' sixth straight loss.

Even as the Jets' season is essentially finished, at 1-6, they are still evaluating for the future. Will Johnson be a part of it, in 2015, the final year of his two-year contract? He is due to carry a salary cap figure of $5.25 million (compared to $2.75 million this year), but would count just $1.75 million against the Jets' 2015 cap if they cut him after this season.

As for Thursday, why were the Jets able to run often, and run well?

For one, the game was close throughout. From the 6:29 mark of the first quarter to the 7:50 mark of the fourth quarter, neither team led by more than five points. The game’s largest margin, period, was eight. The Jets did not have to throw the ball to catch up, as they’ve had to do during some of their games in this train wreck of a season.

The Jets also got consistent run blocking from the offensive line, a week after a poor performance against Denver (15 rushes for 31 yards).

The Jets ran 43 times for 218 yards – their most yards on the ground since October 2012, when they gained 252 against the Colts. In Thursday’s loss to the Patriots, the Jets gained 5.1 yards per carry. They entered the night gaining 4.5 yards per carry, for the season. Their 43 carries were about 17 more than their season average entering Thursday (26.6).

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Chris Ivory reaped most of the rewards of the Jets’ improved running attack – and he was clearly a big part of that – as he ran 21 times for 107 yards (5.1 per carry).

Johnson, a supposedly difference-making free agent pickup in the offseason who had not shown much, also played well – 13 carries for 61 yards (4.7 per carry). Johnson had carried just 16 times in the previous three games combined.

We already took a look, earlier in the season, at Ivory’s film, from the Lions game. Let’s now examine three of Johnson’s key plays from Thursday night in New England.

The first play we’ll take a look at is Johnson’s seventh of eight carries in the first half. It came in the second quarter, on second-and-11 from the Patriots’ 45. Johnson gained 6 yards, putting the Jets into a more manageable third down, after Geno Smith had been sacked for a loss of 1 yard on first down. Smith converted the third-and-5 with a scramble of 7 yards, and the Jets ended this drive with a field goal.

On second-and-11, the Jets ran a read option. On the CBS broadcast, after the play concluded, analyst Phil Simms noted that the Jets almost always have handed off on option plays, since the season opener against Oakland.

Smith indeed handed off again here. Johnson darted right, but ran into the back of right tackle Breno Giacomini. There was no room here. But Johnson saw that the defense had flowed to the right, so he cut back to the left.

The Jets’ left guard, center and right guard – Oday Aboushi, Nick Mangold and Willie Colon – cleared their defenders out, as the defenders were already moving right. A huge hole now opened for Johnson, and he hit it. Johnson cut back just before defensive end Rob Ninkovich got into the backfield. A strong combination of blocking, vision and cutback skills here on this play.

Fast-forward to the Jets’ final touchdown drive, in the fourth quarter, when they came just short of tying the game at 27, as their two-point conversion failed. The Jets ran 12 plays on this drive, not including the two-point conversion. Johnson carried four times for 33 yards – gains of 5, 5, 8 and 15. When the Jets needed Johnson, he came through.

Let’s spotlight Johnson’s two longest carries on this drive. The first, the 8-yard gain, came on second-and-10 from the Jets’ 40. After the snap, Mangold slid left, to help Aboushi.

(We should note that, in his first start, Aboushi -- a second-year pro who didn't play at all last year -- held his own in the run game. He received a plus-0.4 grade from Pro Football Focus for his run blocking against the Patriots. He did have a critical red-zone holding penalty in pass protection, though.)

Then Mangold picked up linebacker Dont’a Hightower. From left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson to Aboushi to Mangold to Colon, the Jets blocked this play well. Johnson hit the hole between Mangold and Aboushi, after Mangold blocked Hightower.

On second-and-5 from the Patriots’ 29, Johnson ran for his longest gain of the night – 15 yards. This was a huge play, as it put the Jets within striking distance of the end zone. On the previous play, Johnson had run for 5 yards. But this 15-yard gain was a big one, so let’s examine it.

The Patriots showed an eight-man front, with one deep safety. We cropped him out of the image below, but he’s there, out of the picture.

The key blocks on this play happened on the left side of the line, by Ferguson, Aboushi and -- how do you like this? -- the pass-catching tight end Jace Amaro, whom we have noted seems to be showing improvement as a run blocker.

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According to Pro Football Focus, Amaro played a season-high 15 run-blocking snaps in New England, though the Jets did have a lot of snaps overall in this game -- 80, with those 43 rushing attempts. PFF graded him at minus-0.2. But he made a nice play here.

(By the way, Amaro is rated seventh by PFF in run blocking among tight ends this year. He is 37th in receiving ratings for tight ends, with three drops, and ranks 14th overall.)

Ferguson took on end Chandler Jones, while Amaro handled safety Patrick Chung. Aboushi got into the second level, to account for Hightower. Mangold blocked the defender who initially lined up in front of Aboushi – tackle Chris Jones. Receiver T.J. Graham also plowed cornerback Logan Ryan out of the play. Graham provided the lead block for Johnson, who followed the block well.

The result of all this was a rather large hole on the left side of Jets’ formation. Here is how it unfolded, with the overhead shot spotlighting the blocks by Amaro and Graham:

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Percy Harvin trade: Jets to get sixth-round pick that can become fourth-rounder, per report (Dom Cosentino) NJ.com October 18, 2014

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/10/percy_harvin_trade_jets_to_get_sixth-round_pick_that_can_become_fourth-rounder_per_report_1.html

Now that the Jets and Seahawks officially consummated the blockbuster trade that sent wideout Percy Harvin to Florham Park, the fine print on the deal is coming into focus.

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Jets agreed to give the Seahawks a sixth-round draft pick in 2015 that, with certain conditions, could become a fourth-rounder. Those conditions are not yet known.

It's a small price for the 1-6 Jets to pay to land a legitimate deep threat who can help quarterback Geno Smith and whose contract is not guaranteed beyond this season.

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Percy Harvin trade: Jets getting him means Geno Smith has no more excuses (Dom Cosentino) NJ.com October 18, 2014

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/10/percy_harvin_trade_jets_got_him_to_save_geno_smith_who_no_longer_has_any_excuses_1.html

Now that the Seahawks have succeeded in smearing wideout Percy Harvin as soon as they could stick him on a one-way flight to North Jersey, the contours of the predictable narrative surrounding the Jets' acquisition of Harvin are starting to take shape.

• The Jets are "desperate" to tape back together the tattered scraps of their season, which assumes general manager John Idzik would better off affixing a "Gone Fishin'" sign on his office door now that this team is off and running backwards at 1-6.

• THE JETS COULD HAVE GOTTEN DESEAN JACKSON DURING THE OFFSEASON INSTEAD!!!! Never mind Jackson's baggage and his contract, which includes a hefty commitment of guaranteed money through 2016.

• Harvin is a "troubled" "malcontent" whose gym bag has nothing in it but the tent and the circus poles he plans to install in the middle of the One Jets Drive locker room.

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So why would the Jets get Harvin, and why now? The answer is Geno Smith.

There's a reason the Jets have stuck with Smith at quarterback even as the losses keep piling up, and even after Smith cursed at a fan and plum forgot about a team meeting while sitting through a matinee at some multiplex in La Jolla—transgressions that would rightly be seen as misdemeanors if the Jets could, you know, win a game: The Jets want to see what Smith can do behind an offensive line that can block and a receiving corps that doesn't invite teams to defend them like this:

We got a glimpse of this Thursday night, when the line cleared holes (the Jets rushed for a season-high 218 yards) and protected Smith (he was pressured on just 15 of his 43 dropbacks, per Pro Football Focus). The Jets didn't beat the Patriots, but they controlled the ball, didn't turn it over, and put themselves in position to take a crack at a game-winning field goal on the game's final play. Most important, Smith actually looked like a capable quarterback.

Wideout Eric Decker's return to health from a hamstring injury certainly helped. But now imagine Decker with a burner like Harvin on the other side. Defenses will be forced to pay attention, and that will take pressure off the line and off Smith. The Jets basically got Smith exactly the sort of weapon many of Idzik's critics demanded he get them. These last nine games are Smith's opportunity to reward the Jets for their continued faith in him. And if it still doesn't work? Then it might be back to the drawing board. But with the Jets rebuilding, Smith deserves every opportunity to succeed with the best possible complement of weapons at his disposal. The Harvin trade does that.

Harvin was a "time bomb"? The Seahawks are considered to be a model NFL franchise. They're the defending champs. They thought enough of Harvin 19 months ago to give up three draft picks for him, including a first-rounder. Then they gave him a contract with $26.5 million in guarantees. The Seahawks weren't going to come out and explain why they gave up on a guy whose 87-yard kickoff return in Super Bowl XLVIII will always be a cherished memory for their fans. So they resorted to the time-honored dark arts of trashing Harvin to reporters on the down-low. There's a reason none of the leaks about Harvin's character—bodyslamming Golden Tate in the run-up to the Super Bowl, punching Doug Baldwin back in August, according to NFL Network's Albert Breer—got out until after Harvin was gone.

This move has zero risk for the Jets. Their season is already swirling around the drain. Harvin's contract, widely reported to be worth $67 million through 2018, includes no guaranteed money after this season. He will earn a little more than $7 million for the remainder of 2014, but the Jets have the cap space. Harvin basically has a nine-game tryout to prove he's worth the $10 million his contract calls for in 2015, at which point the Jets are free to evaluate him again. If things don't work out, they can release him after this season—or after any season through 2017, should Harvin decide to brawl with, say, the punter—without owing him another penny. And all it cost them was nothing more than a fourth-round draft pick.

The Jets will also have a much better idea whether Smith is the quarterback they thought they drafted last year. The burden to produce is now squarely on Smith. He has no more excuses.

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Source: Jets to cut WR David Nelson to make room for Percy Harvin (Darryl Slater) Star-Ledger October 18, 2014

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/10/source_jets_to_cut_wr_david_nelson_to_make_room_for_percy_harvin_1.html

The Jets' addition of wideout Percy Harvin and all of his accessorized baggage made one of the eight wideouts already on the 53-man roster expendable.

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Looks like wideout David Nelson is the odd man out. A source confirmed Saturday morning the Jets plan to cut Nelson to make room for Harvin. Ironically, Nelson and Harvin had been teammates at the University of Florida.

Nelson provided something resembling a spark for the Jets' moribund offense after the receiving corps was wracked by injuries in 2013. He signed last October and proceeded to catch 36 passes for 423 yards and two touchdowns. But Nelson had just eight catches for 65 yards this season, and he had been slowed by an ankle injury that caused him to miss the Week 6 loss to the Broncos. He also didn't play on special teams, which may have made him more expendable than Saalim Hakim, who still serves as a special teams gunner even though he's been replaced by Walter Powell on kickoff returns.

An aside: Not that many readers care, but Nelson was one of the most quotable, accessible, and forthright players in the Jets' locker room. His job is to catch footballs, not to talk to writers, but he will be missed by most, if not all, of the reporters who cover the team.

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NEW YORK POST

The ugly reason the Jets got Percy Harvin for so little (Mark Cannizzaro) New York Post October 18, 2014

http://nypost.com/2014/10/18/jets-hope-harvin-stretches-field-not-their-patience/

On the surface, the Jets’ acquisition of Percy Harvin in a trade with Seattle on Friday looks like a no-brainer, adding a big-time playmaker to a skill-position-challenged offense.

A deeper look, however, presents a potentially troubling picture, leaving you to wonder, “What have the Jets done now?’’

There has been too much smoke surrounding Harvin, whose career can be best described as enigmatic and checkered, for there not to be fire somewhere.

Reports have surfaced in both Minnesota, which drafted Harvin 22nd overall in the first round in 2009, and in Seattle about character issues that have included complaints to coaches regarding his role and conflict with teammates.

Harvin passed a Jets physical on Saturday and receiver David Nelson was cut to make room for him on the roster. Harvin was, however, listed on the Seahawks’ injury report as questionable for this week with a thigh injury. He has played in just 43 of a possible 82 career games in his five seasons.

These persisting questions about his character and injury issues present a concerning combo platter for a spiraling 1-6 Jets team that already has enough problems.

Based on Harvin’s skills, it looks as if the Jets finally got themselves a potential game breaker. A deeper look, though, shows that they also might have gotten themselves a locker room problem.

If Harvin had a problem with the way he was being utilized by the Super Bowl-champion Seahawks, how is he going to react playing for a losing team playing out the string with little hope of a playoff berth with struggling young quarterback, Geno Smith, and a head coach possibly on the firing line after the season?

“Percy is a versatile, dynamic player who has been productive on offense and special teams,” Jets general manager John Idzik said on the team’s website. “We’re excited about adding him to the Jets.”

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Harvin — who, according to a source, was acquired for the Jets’ sixth-round pick that becomes a fourth-rounder if he is on the team in 2015 — has 22 catches for 133 yards and no receiving touchdowns this season.

Interestingly, according to STATS, 12 of those 22 catches were caught behind the line of scrimmage. So Harvin, who is not known as a precise route runner, has not been stretching the field as a deep threat, which is something the Jets need from him.

Remember when the Jets thought they stole receiver Santonio Holmes from the Steelers in 2010 when they got him for only a fifth-round draft pick? Holmes was a great game breaker in 2010 before his attitude soured, his health became a problem and management couldn’t get him out of the locker room fast enough.

The sad irony of the Harvin acquisition is this: There might not be a better coach in the league at handling troubled players than Rex Ryan, but the chances are Ryan won’t even be around to coach him after this season.

More irony: If Ryan is fired after the season, one of the coaches believed to be on Idzik’s radar is Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, whom Idzik knows from his days in Seattle. If Bevell had difficulty fitting Harvin into his offense in Seattle, how is he going to make it work with the Jets if they’re here together?

And what makes anyone believe the Jets, with Smith throwing him the ball, can utilize Harvin better than the Seahawks did with Russell Wilson, one of the league’s best quarterbacks?

Bevell, addressing Harvin’s diminished role and lack of production, told reporters in Seattle this week: “Do we want Percy to get the ball in every way we possibly can? I think it’s obvious, because we’re trying to do things to get him the ball.’’

The defending Super Bowl champions couldn’t figure out a way to make Harvin work for them. Good luck to the Jets with this one.

According to a report in the Seattle Times, citing team sources, Harvin “just wasn’t a fit’’ in the Seahawks locker room and the team had grown “tired’’ of his act and decided he was no longer worth the trouble.

Sources told the paper Harvin has gotten into physical altercations with former Seahawks receiver Golden Tate before the Super Bowl last season and current receiver Doug Baldwin this season.

The “final straw’’ came last Sunday in the Seahawks’ loss to Dallas when Harvin, who played only 26 of a possible 48 snaps, refused to go back into the game in the fourth quarter, according to the report.

When he was in Minnesota, Harvin had a very public sideline confrontation with Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier during a game in Seattle on Nov. 4, 2012. Shortly after that heated argument, captured on television, Harvin was placed on injured reserve with an ankle problem and never played another game for Minnesota.

Four months later, he was traded to Seattle for first- and seventh-round draft picks in 2013 and a third-round pick in 2014, and then given a $67 million contract with $25 million guaranteed.

For all that, he played a total of eight games and caught 27 passes for the Seahawks before Friday’s trade.

This all leaves the question: What do the Jets have in Harvin?

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Jets cutting David Nelson to make room for Percy Harvin (Brian Costello) New York Post

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October 18, 2014

http://nypost.com/2014/10/18/jets-cutting-david-nelson-to-make-room-for-percy-harvin/

The Jets will cut wide receiver David Nelson.

The move comes after Friday’s splashy trade acquisition of wideout Percy Harvin from the Seahawks.

Nelson made minimal impact in the Jets’ 1-6 start, catching eight passes for 65 yards. He contended with a sprained left ankle in recent weeks.

He finished with 36 receptions for 423 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games in 2013, when he was an in-season addition to the roster.

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NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

NY Jets GM John Idzik got Percy Harvin to possibly help inconsistent Geno Smith — not Rex Ryan (Manish Mehta) New York Daily News October 18, 2014

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/mehta-jets-gm-john-idzik-percy-harvin-possibly-inconsistent-geno-smith-rex-ryan-article-1.1979160

John Idzik forked over an additional $7 million from Woody Johnson’s war chest to the Geno Smith Development Fund in an attempt to figure out his maddeningly inconsistent quarterback once and for all.

Idzik’s brash move to trade for the mercurial Percy Harvin this weekend will turn the risk-averse GM into a hero or a fool. The potential rewards could change the franchise for the better if the dynamic playmaker controls his demons and fulfills the boundless potential that has been stymied by injures, anger issues and selfishness.

The ramifications of injecting a potentially toxic presence into the Jets locker room, however, could be disastrous.

Idzik, suddenly desperate to give more weapons to his young quarterback, made the type of aggressive play that should be commended, but the motivation has little to do with helping his embattled head coach survive the guillotine that awaits on Black Monday.

Idzik made the deal to provide clarity on his 2013 second-round investment.

Smith, a flop for the better part of the season, has made his fair share of gaffes on and off the field, but team decision makers found it difficult to properly evaluate the second-year signal caller given the dearth of weapons around him. Idzik, of course, is the primary culprit for the talent void on the roster after his slew of poor decisions in free agency and the draft.

Rex Ryan will be the scapegoat after the season.

Idzik was never fully committed to helping Ryan make the playoffs in 2014, but he has plenty at stake with Smith, who is near or at the bottom of nearly every meaningful statistical category this season. The organization will make a definitive call on Smith in 10 weeks.

Although Smith has shown flashes of good play, his penchant for turnovers and poor decision-making under duress raises legitimate concerns about whether he’ll ever be a dependable starter.

Idzik is all-in… for at least nine more games.

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His decision to give up a conditional 2015 sixth-round pick (that could turn into a fourth- rounder), according to a source, for a wild card like Harvin was purely driven by his desire to find out what Smith can do with more firepower in the huddle. If Smith thrives with Harvin, the Jets will steer clear of drafting a quarterback in the first round next spring. If Smith continues to fight inconsistency, Idzik will jump ship and go after a signal caller early in next year’s draft.

And Harvin comes with plenty of red flags.

Although the hybrid receiver-running back-returner’s guaranteed money in a contract that runs through 2018 is up after the Jets dole out $7.1 million for the remaining nine games, the Jets run the risk of fracturing the locker room and damaging their young quarterback.

Idzik cut David Nelson, lauded for his charity work with Haitian orphans, to make room for a player who packs a punch in more ways than one.

Sources confirmed that Harvin was involved in at least two fights with teammates in the past year and pulled himself out of Seattle’s loss to the Cowboys last week due to unhappiness with the play calling. The Vikings were fed up with him before trading him to Seattle. His issues with teammates and coaches stretch back to high school.

“Ninety-nine percent of the time, Percy is great,” a friend of the wideout told the Daily News. “One percent of the time he can be a little rough.”

Rough might be an understatement.

Sources told The News that Harvin’s altercation with Golden Tate days before the Super Bowl started in the meeting room and ended in an ugly scene in the locker room. Harvin also got into a fight with teammate Doug Baldwin days before the preseason opener against the Raiders. The Seahawks didn’t permit Harvin to travel with the team to Oakland.

Harvin pulled himself out last week against Dallas due to unhappiness about his lack of involvement (he had six touches for minus-1 yard), according to two sources, the final straw for the Super Bowl champions.

“Wasn’t a fit” a source said.

Some people in the Jets organization are cautiously optimistic that a change of scenery will do him good. Others aren’t so sure he’ll change.

Harvin didn’t rub everyone the wrong way in Seattle. A source told the News that Seahawks star running back Marshawn Lynch was so incensed upon hearing the news that the team had traded Harvin, one of his closest friends on the team, that he nearly didn’t get on the team bus to the airport on Friday for Seattle’s game in St. Louis this weekend.

Idzik’s decision to acquire a player with baggage was surprising given his prior actions. He cut Santonio Holmes in the offseason because the receiver was a locker-room cancer. The GM refused to aggressively pursue talented, but troubled free-agent receiver DeSean Jackson in the spring after the Eagles cut him.

However, Smith’s prolonged struggles without game-changers prompted the deliberate Idzik to finally take action. The Browns, Buccaneers and Bengals were also contacted to gauge interest in Harvin before the Jets officially acquired him on Saturday, according to sources.

Idzik has sacrificed two seasons to develop Smith. Winning has always taken a backseat.

A lost season suddenly became much more interesting.

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Sunday Morning Quarterback: Handicapping where Rex Ryan will wind up after NY Jets days come to an end (Gary Myers) New York Daily News October 18, 2014

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/sunday-morning-qb-handicapping-rex-ryan-wind-article-1.1979047

The Rex Ryan Derby begins Dec. 29 when he presumably will be fired one day after the Jets finish the season in Miami.

Even though Ryan’s teams have gotten progressively worse in his six seasons, he did make it to the AFC Championship Game his first two years with Mark Sanchez as his quarterback and coaches are often better in their second job.

Ryan would have had a better chance if GM John Idzik acquired Percy Harvin — or perhaps an impact corner — before the season and not when the season is over at 1-6. Idzik is spending money now? Where’s he been the last seven months?

If Woody Johnson and Idzik fire Ryan, he not only deserves a second chance, he will get one. He has impressed people around the NFL with how he’s handled a difficult situation: A salary cap guy with little prior experience in personnel as the general manager, no quarterback, no cornerbacks and yet no complaining.

It’s imperative that Rex goes back to being Rex. That’s what made him successful early on with the Jets. He has to be brash, trash talk, be irreverent. It’s been the watered-down Rex the last two years as he’s tried so hard to conform to Idzik’s corporate style so he can keep his job.

That’s not how Ryan does business. It’s not the way he’s most effective. If Rex can’t be Rex in his next job, he might as well join one of those pre-game shows.

This looks like it can turn into a 4-12 season for the Jets, the fourth straight year Ryan will miss the playoffs. Even so, he potentially will be the hottest head coaching candidate on the market. His resume is impressive, he has six years’ experience in the biggest market, and fans love him.

Eight current NFL head coaches are on their second job and Seattle’s Pete Carroll, who won the Super Bowl last season, is on his third. Six of those nine coaches, however, made it to the Super Bowl in their first job — they all lost — while Bill Belichick, Carroll and Tom Coughlin all received another chance without having first been in the Super Bowl.

Three key ingredients when Ryan evaluates opportunities: An owner who will spend to the cap to win; a GM who majored in personnel and not salary cap accounting; a better quarterback than Sanchez and Geno Smith. If the right opportunity doesn’t come up, then Ryan can work a year in TV, make people laugh and then jump back in.

So, where will he wind up? As usual, there should be several openings and I’m handicapping the Ryan Derby in order of where he could be coaching in 2015:

Atlanta Falcons

Overview: Mike Smith and GM Thomas Dimitroff each received just one-year extensions through 2015 following last year’s 4-12 disaster, which came one season after an appearance in the NFC Championship Game. There could be changes with the Falcons off to a 2-4 start.

This would be a very good situation for Ryan. Arthur Blank, a Queens guy, is one of the best owners in the NFL and with the Falcons moving into a new stadium in 2017, he wants to take a winning team with him.

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Ryan would inherit Matt Ryan, an above average although not elite QB, and Julio Jones, the most spectacular receiver in the league. The defense needs a lot of work, but Ryan is the fix-it man on that side of the ball. If Dimitroff stays and Smith goes, this would be a good match for Ryan, especially with Scott Pioli, instrumental in building the Patriots Super Bowl teams, helping Dimitroff on the personnel side.

Bottom Line: Can’t you just see Ryan doing the Dirty Bird?

Miami Dolphins

Overview: Joe Philbin may have survived BullyGate but will have a hard time surviving if he misses the playoffs for the third straight year. He was inherited by first-year GM Dennis Hickey and we see how that kind of arrangement works. Dolphins owner Steve Ross is a Michigan man and if Jim Harbaugh, the former Wolverines QB, is out in San Francisco, then he could make another run at him. He failed to get him in 2011.

Ryan interviewed with Bill Parcells for the Dolphins job in 2008, but Parcells was locked in on Tony Sparano. That was before Ross bought the team. Ryan is so popular in Miami he even waved to the fans at an offseason sports event there in 2010 with his middle finger. Ryan would bring life to a franchise that could use his energy. QB Ryan Tannehill has a lot of abililty but has underachieved. The key would be hiring the right offensive coordinator.

Bottom Line: This would be a good fit for Ryan and he would not only get to face the Jets twice a year but Belichick, too.

Oakland Raiders

Overview: Ryan should take this job only if it’s his only offer and he doesn’t want to sit out a year and collect Johnson’s money for the final guaranteed season on his contract. Raiders owner Mark Davis, who took over when his father Al passed away in 2011, made a bad choice when he hired GM Reggie McKenzie, who made a bad choice when he hired coach Dennis Allen, who was fired this year four games into his third season with an 8-28 record.

Davis is enamored with former Raiders coach Jon Gruden, but if he can’t get him to return to Oakland, then Ryan’s coaching style and personality make him a perfect Raider.

Ryan has to work with a strong GM and McKenzie has done little to distinguish himself other than look like he got it right with second-round rookie QB Derek Carr. But Oakland is the place where careers go to die and Ryan deserves better. If he does wind up in Oakland, maybe he can retain Sparano, who is the interim coach, make him the offensive coordinator and they can sign Tim Tebow. That arrangement worked out so well for the Jets in 2012.

Bottom Line: Don’t do it, Rex.

Buffalo Bills

Overview: If new owners Terry and Kim Pegula decide that for their $1.4 billion they want their own GM and coach, then Doug Whaley and Doug Marrone could be in trouble unless they force the Pegulas to keep them by making the playoffs. But the Bills are no better at QB than the Jets: EJ Manuel, last year’s first QB taken in the Geno Smith draft, has already lost his job to Kyle Orton, who didn’t sign until Aug. 30. Ryan’s hands-off approach to offense can only work if he has a star quarterback and a really good offensive coordinator.

Bottom Line: Bad fit. Rex can do better.

Dallas Cowboys

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Overview: Jason Garrett is the only coach besides Ryan who is on a streak of no playoffs in the last three years. The ‘Boys are off to a 5-1 start and just beat the defending champion Seahawks in Seattle. If Garrett can’t finish the job and get the Cowboys into January, I can’t see how Jerry Jones justifies keeping him. This would be a perfect spot for Ryan: He would inherit an explosive offense with Tony Romo, Demarco Murray, Dez Bryant, Terrance Williams and Jason Witten, and can spend his energy building the defense. One problem: His brother Rob was fired a couple of years ago by Jones after two years as defensive coordinator and it wasn’t the most peaceful parting. Two Ryans may be one too many for Jones.

Bottom Line: Ryan would walk to Dallas for this job. Rex and Jerry together would be a must-watch.

San Francisco 49ers

Overview: Jim Harbaugh has one year left on his contract. No negotiations are presently going on amid speculation he has lost the locker room despite getting to three NFC title games and one Super Bowl in his three years. This is a Super Bowl-ready team: Excellent young QB in Colin Kaepernick and punishing defense when all the pieces (Patrick Willis, Navarro Bowman, Aldon Smith) are in place. 49ers defensive line coach Jim Tomsula is highly regarded and considered next in line if Harbaugh departs.

Bottom Line: If Tomsula doesn’t get promoted to keep the continuity, then the Niners are too good to take the risk of hiring a first-time coach from outside the organization. This would be an ideal job for Ryan.

New York Giants

Overview: If the Giants’ season turns really bad and Tom Coughlin retires or is asked to retire, this will be a very attractive job simply because it’s a great organization that’s always trying to win. What will be Ryan’s chance of staying at MetLife Stadium and walking the Big Blue sidelines? Zero. The Giants haven’t exactly appreciated Ryan’s act down the road with the Jets over the years.

Bottom Line: This is not happening, but it’s fun to think about.

HARV AND HARV NOT

After former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum traded up in the first round of the 2009 draft to get Mark Sanchez, he tried, but without any luck, to trade back into the first round to take Harvin, who went No. 22 overall to the Vikings... It’s a little too late for Harvin to have an impact on the Jets making a playoff run, so Idzik really made this move for his next coach, likely Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn... After giving the Vikings first-, third- and seventh-round picks when they made the deal last year, the Seahawks signed Harvin to a six-year $67 million deal with $25.5 million guaranteed. But it’s been hard to keep him on the field and hard to get him the ball. He played in only one regular-season game last year following hip surgery and has done almost nothing this year. But he was dynamic in the Super Bowl with two rushes for 45 yards and an 87-yard kickoff return for a TD to start the second half that pushed Seattle’s lead to 29-0. But they obviously would have beaten Denver without him... Harvin doesn’t have any guaranteed money after this season, so it’s worth a shot for Idzik, who gave up a conditional mid-round pick. When Harvin is healthy and used properly, he’s explosive. But it’s not a good sign that Pete Carroll — the easiest coach to play for in the league — gave him away so soon after giving up so much to get him.

BLUE TEST

The Giants are coming off a 27-0 loss at Philadelphia, the fourth time they’ve been shut out in the last three seasons, and the Cowboys are coming off the most impressive victory any team has had this season when they went into Seattle and beat the defending champs. Do we know if the Giants are really any good? Their three victories came against teams that had picks in the top six of the draft last year: Texans (1st pick), Washington (2nd pick, traded to Rams) and Falcons (6th pick). So far this season, they are a combined 6-12. They’ve lost to the Lions, Cardinals and Eagles, who are a combined 13-4... Peyton

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Manning is at 506 TDs and needs three on Sunday night against the 49ers to break Brett Favre’s record. The QB preceding Manning with the Colts when he took over his rookie year in 1998 was Harbaugh, who will obviously be there if Manning breaks the record against San Francisco. And when Manning was a free agent in 2012, Harbaugh made a strong pitch to try to get him to sign with the 49ers.

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Sources: Percy Harvin involved in several ugly incidents while with Seahawks, including fight with teammate Golden Tate (Seth Walder and Manish Mehta) New York Daily News October 18, 2014

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/sources-percy-harvin-involved-ugly-incidents-seahawks-article-1.1978926

In the hours following the deal that is sending WR/KR Percy Harvin from the Seahawks to the Jets, accounts quickly surfaced of off-the-field issues with the wide receiver that likely contributed to Seattle's willingness to deal him.

The deal became official on Saturday. The News first reported Saturday that the Jets are trading a conditional 2015 sixth-round pick in exchange for Harvin, according to a source. WR David Nelson was released in a corresponding move.

The Buccaneers, Browns and Bengals were among the teams contacted about possible interest in Harvin, the Daily News learned.

A source said Harvin “wasn’t a fit” in Seattle.

One of the more startling stories to emerge occurred in the run up to last year’s Super Bowl, when sources confirmed that Harvin got into a fight that started in a meeting room and moved into the locker room. Golden Tate ended up with a black eye.

“99 percent of the time, Percy is great,” said one person close to Harvin. “One percent of the time he can be a little rough."

But the Tate fight wasn’t his only incident with another receiver on his team. Sources also confirmed that Harvin and Doug Baldwin had an altercation in the run up to the team’s final preseason game in Oakland. Baldwin ended up with a cut on his chin and both players were excused from practice that week, according to the Seattle Times, which also noted that Harvin did not make the trip to Oakland for what the team described was “a personal matter.”

The most recent event involving the Jets’ new wideout occurred just last week in the Seahawks’ 30-23 loss to the Cowboys. Sources confirmed that Harvin, after having three receptions and three rushes for -1 total yards on the day, refused to re-enter the game in the fourth quarter.

The Seahawks players learned of the trade before boarding the team bus. Running back Marshawn Lynch, who is close to Harvin, almost didn't get on after he heard, according to a source.

Despite Lynch's obvious dismay at the loss of Harvin, the prior incidents paint a troubling picture for the Jets, who agreed to acquire the receiver on Friday.

“Percy is a versatile, dynamic player who has been productive on offense and special teams," GM John Idzik said in a statement. "We’re excited about adding him to the Jets.”

Neither Idzik nor Seahawks GM John Schneider made any reference to the off-the-field problems surrounding Harvin in their statements.

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"Although this was an extremely difficult decision, we are constantly evaluating our team and believe at this time, that this is in our best interest to move the team forward," Schneider said in a statement. "We thank Percy for his efforts that contributed to a Super Bowl XLVIII victory and wish him well."

Though long-term risk is mitigated by Harvin’s contract not containing any guaranteed money beyond 2014, the price to keep him is still substantial. The receiver is set to make $10.5 million in salary in 2015.

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The lost season: Paying attention to the 1-6 NY Jets would be a waste of air and space rest of the year (Bob Raissman) New York Daily News October 18, 2014

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/raissman-paying-attention-1-6-jets-waste-air-space-article-1.1979089

Unless watching Rex Ryan play the role of Dead Coach Walking is appealing to you, or you believe Percy Harvin alone is capable of producing a prolonged winning streak, there is absolutely no reason to pay attention to the media’s coverage of the Jets.

No reason to watch the postgame show on SportsNet New York. Or listen to it on ESPN-98.7. No reason to read anything about the Jets in the newspapers or online. And if you are a Valley of the Stupid Gasbag, no reason to talk about a 1-6 team.

Hey, go right ahead and dissect next Sunday’s Bills-Jets game. The analysis will do wonders for your ratings and anyone in the audience who has problems sleeping.

With nine games left on the schedule, this is terribly sad. Throughout Ryan’s tenure, the Jets have been anything but dull. Win or lose, it didn’t matter. The Jets were a football soap opera housed in The Double Shock Theater.

They were compelling — from beginning to end. That’s the difference. Now, unless you believe in miracles, they are Gang Gonzo, on the far-outside looking in. October is not even over and the Jets are not just blah, they are irrelevant. That’s a place Ryan has yet to visit. And it’s not the desired location at this point in the season, especially when there are plenty of tickets left to sell.

As far as storylines go, well, they have already been exhausted. All the lines about John Idzik being in over his head, or whether he sabotaged Ryan, are played out. So has all the stuff about Ryan’s personality transplant and whether it was ordered by the GM. Ryan’s Jets obit has already been written, multiple times.

Even the ecologically sound, the what-it-means-to-be-green posse, should not attempt to recycle this crap.

What’s Woody Johnson going to do? Gee, that’s something we can’t wait to hear, over and over and over, again and again. Is he going to make Ryan walk the plank? Will the owner get rid of Idzik too and start all over? Even the first-time-caller, long-time-moron crowd has grown tired of this conversation.

There’s no relief here. What’s the fall-back topic? Demanding that Idzik or Johnson publicly bare his soul to the media and unwashed masses? Continuing to speculate if Geno Smith is the ultimate answer for the Jets at QB? Going outta the box (and outta your mind) trying to make a case about how the Jets can still make the playoffs?

See, there are nine weeks (10 if you count the bye) left. For the Jets, and the media, there is no escape.

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There’s only one thing left to sell — boredom.

OH, TO BE A YES MAN

Is it coincidence, or are those telephone calls regularly placed by members of the unwashed masses, complaining to Mike (Sports Pope) Francesa about the irregular airing of his WFAN/FS1 simulcast, pre-arranged, a set-up?

Nah, the pontiff would never do that, would he? Nah, that would never happen.

Anyway, the Pope’s Thursday sermon about taking “less money” if the simulcast aired every day had a desperate quality to it. Francesa has good reason to use his radio pulpit to lobby for TV continuity.

Since the simulcast of ESPN-98.7’s “The Michael Kay Show” — (With) Don LaGreca — moved to YES (the Pope’s old home), Kay has not overtaken Francesa in the radio ratings (men 25-54 demographic), but has made steady gains. For example, in the first two weeks of this important three months ratings book, “TMKS” finished fifth behind His Holiness, the closest Kay has ever managed to get.

The frequency and continuity of Kay’s simulcast exposure has helped the radio side. The Pope ain’t no dope. He knows the multiple benefits of having a regular TV presence. This is why he continues to stir the pot and reach out to a potentially new simulcast partner — MSG? The Food Channel?

Oh how the Pope must be longing for those days when he was only on YES — five days a week.

GIVE US LESS BREAK

No matter how well-intentioned Bud Selig and his crack committee are about speeding up the game, they won’t interfere with the long commercial breaks between innings — especially on postseason telecasts.

The playoffs are where Fox and TBS (and ESPN to a much lesser extent) try to make up their nut, the money they overpaid MLB for the rights to air the LDS, LCS and the World Series.

This is where they make their dough.

The postseason commercial break is about 2 minutes, 55 seconds, 50 seconds longer than Yankee commercial breaks on YES and Mets breaks on SNY.

Yet while watching the ALCS/NLCS we found that these breaks are extended. Timing the breaks starting immediately after the last out of an inning until the first pitch of the next inning is thrown revealed that they last anywhere from 15-30 seconds longer than the 2:55. This happens because the networks, Fox or TBS, dawdle before going to commercial by either replaying the final out, airing a crowd shot, or a shot of the pitcher walking toward the dugout.

Seligula’s crew can do something about this. Just tell the networks to immediately go to break. Don’t hang out to air a meaningless art shot.

WHERE’S THE LINEUP?

Apparently TBS didn’t realize what a great story the Kansas City Royals and their fans are.

Why else would TBS make a commercial break a priority over airing the live introduction of Royals players running on the field Tuesday night? It was the first time in 29 years that an ALCS game was played in K.C. Would’ve made great LIVE TV (duh) watching the crowd react to what must have been a surreal moment.

TBS — barely — caught the eighth and ninth players running on the field. Very little. Very, very late.

HAIR-BRAINED?

Joe Benigno, whistle blower?

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Sure sounded that way when Joey B and Evan Roberts were discussing an often played hair replacement commercial featuring a guy who claims to work at “the FAN.”

Benigno searched throughout the station, but couldn’t find the guy. Or the new head of hair.

“If you have a commercial with a guy who works at the FAN, can he really work at the FAN?” Benigno incredulously asked on the air.

Later, Benigno told us he heard “the guy might have stepped in the (FAN) building once.”

Does that mean he’s a part-time spokesman?

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DUDE OF THE WEEK: PEDRO MARTINEZ

What a difference a year made for him in TBS’ MLB playoff studio. Martinez was loose, likeable, and had plenty to say. Working with Casey Stern and Gary Sheffield, Martinez made his points quickly and humorously. He didn’t pull punches. In the AL wild-card postgame show, he provided a memorable rip of K.C. skipper Ned Yost for pulling James Shields in the sixth (88 pitches) and bringing in Yordano Ventura, who gave up a three-run homer to A’s Brandon Moss. Out from under the mouth of Keith Olbermann, who sucked up all the oxygen while hosting for TBS last fall, Martinez musta felt free.

DWEEB OF THE WEEK: MIKE GOLDBERG

Sports media types are notoriously thin-skinned and insecure, but Fox’s Goldberg took it to another level. The Foxies (wonder whose swell idea this was?) selected Goldberg, a UFC voice, to work Vikings-Lions last Sunday, his NFL debut. He wound up missing some calls and messing up names. He even had Vikes QB Teddy Bridgewater attempting a pass to Lions wideout Golden Tate. Mistakes happen, but when Goldberg’s play-by-play was criticized on Twitter he responded with F-bombs, A-holes, and other assorted pleasantries. Perhaps Terry Bradshaw can provide guidance for this young man. Or recommend a good psychiatrist.

DOUBLE TALK

What Mike Matheny said: “I realize I put him (Michael Wacha) in a real tough spot . . . just a tough spot for him to be in. Not the spot we wanted him to be in.”

What Mike Matheny meant to say: “I don’t know what I was thinking. The guy hadn’t pitched since Sept. 26.”

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NY Jets release WR David Nelson after surprise trade for Percy Harvin (Manish Mehta) New York Daily News October 18, 2014

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/jets-release-wr-david-nelson-surprise-trade-percy-harvin-article-1.1978841

The Jets dumped Percy Harvin's former college teammate the morning after their shocking trade to land the multi-purpose threat from Seattle.

The Daily News first reported on Twitter Saturday morning that the Jets will release wide receiver David Nelson, who played with Harvin at the University of Florida. Nelson had eight receptions for 65 yards in six games this season. He missed one game with an ankle sprain.

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Nelson had 36 receptions for 423 yards and two touchdowns after the Jets signed him early last season. He exhibited class on and off the field. Nelson's charitable efforts in Haiti have rightfully received attention this season.

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NEW YORK TIMES

Jets Confirm Deal for Harvin (Ben Shpigel) New York Times October 18, 2014

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/19/sports/football/jets-confirm-deal-for-percy-harvin.html?ref=football&_r=0

The Jets made their trade for Percy Harvin official, announcing that they had released the veteran receiver David Nelson to clear roster space. The Jets acquired Harvin from Seattle on Friday for a conditional draft pick.

“Percy is a versatile, dynamic player who has been productive on offense and special teams,” General Manager John Idzik said on the team’s website. “We’re excited about adding him to the Jets.”

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ESPN NEW YORK

Percy Harvin's long list of troubles, from high school to Seattle (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York October 18, 2014

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/44877/percy-harvins-long-list-of-troubles-from-high-school-to-seattle?ex_cid=espnapi_public

Percy Harvin is a talented-but-troubled player with a history of anger management issues. He also has been described as a malcontent who will get in the face of quarterbacks and coaches if things don't go his way. Two organizations, the Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings, already have given up on him.

At 1-6, the New York Jets were desperate for a playmaker, so they decided to trade for the high-priced wide receiver. It was a stunning move, with some at One Jets Drive expressing concern that Harvin won't respond well in a losing environment. Others see it as a worthwhile, low-cost acquisition that could spark the offense.

A look at Harvin's history of transgressions:

Harvin might have sealed his fate with the Seahawks in last week's loss to the Dallas Cowboys, refusing to play late in the game, the Seattle Times reported. He played 26 of 48 snaps on offense but didn't play 11 of the final 17. He touched the ball six times for minus-1 yard.

Curiously, this story didn't break until Friday, but several media outlets reported that Harvin had an altercation with fellow receiver Golden Tate leading up to the Super Bowl last February. Tate ended up with a black eye.

In the preseason, Harvin and teammate Doug Baldwin were involved in a scuffle that resulted in a gash on Baldwin's chin, the Times reported. Both players were excused from practice that week.

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Harvin's time in Minnesota, 2009 to 2012, was filled with a number of incidents. One played out on national television, with Harvin screaming at then-coach Leslie Frazier on the sideline during a game in Seattle in 2012. Weeks later, Harvin reportedly got into another argument with Frazier that was witnessed by some players and staff members.

Harvin also had disputes with Frazier's predecessor, Brad Childress. One such altercation occurred in 2010, when Childress questioned Harvin's effort in practice. Harvin, limping with an apparent ankle injury, took exception, and the two had to be separated by players and coaches, according to reports. Another time, they got into a shouting match in the weight room, which included Harvin throwing a weight at Childress. It put a hole in the wall.

In 2009, Harvin reportedly tested positive for marijuana at the NFL scouting combine. That didn't stop the Jets from showing interest. In fact, they flew to Florida the week of the draft to spend private time with Harvin. After trading up for quarterback Mark Sanchez, they tried to trade back into the first round for Harvin, but then-general manager Mike Tannenbaum deemed the price too steep.

Harvin also had problems in college at Florida. He tested positive for marijuana, refused to run the stadium steps with other teammates during a conditioning session, and attacked wide receivers coach Billy Gonzales, according to The Sporting News. Harvin threw Gonzales to the ground by his neck, according to the report.

Harvin is regarded as one of the greatest high school athletes from the Virginia Beach, Virginia, area, but Harvin encountered trouble in his early years. He was suspended twice, once for unsportsmanlike contact and another time for contacting an official and using inappropriate language. In the spring of his senior year, when he ran track, he was banished by the local high school sports association, reportedly stemming from a fight during a basketball game.

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It's official: Jets confirm Percy Harvin trade (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York October 18, 2014

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/44873/its-official-jets-confirm-harvin-trade?ex_cid=espnapi_public

Percy Harvin is officially a member of the New york Jets, who formally announced the trade shortly after noon on Saturday.

"Percy is a versatile, dynamic player who has been productive on offense and special teams," general manager John Idzik said in a statement. "We’re excited about adding him to the Jets."

Seahawks GM John Schneider released this statement: "Although this was an extremely difficult decision, we are constantly evaluating our team and believe at this time, that this is in our best interest to move the team forward. We thank Percy for his efforts that contributed to a Super Bowl XLVIII victory and wish him well."

Neither the Jets nor the Seattle Seahawks disclosed the terms of the trade, except to say it's a conditional draft pick in 2015.

Harvin (thigh) was listed as questionable on the Seahawks' injury report for Sunday's game against the St. Louis Rams. He flew to New Jersey and passed his physical Saturday morning. The Jets are off this weekend after playing Thursday night. They return to practice Monday, when Harvin will be introduced to the media.

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The Jets picked up the remainder of Harvin contract, meaning there was no renegotiation, according to a source. His salary for the remainder of the season is guaranteed -- $7.1 million. There is no guaranteed money beyond this season, meaning the Jets can cut him after this season without any future cap implications. The rest of the contract looks like this:

2015 -- $10.5 million

2016 -- $9.9 million

2017 -- $9.95 million

2018 -- $11.15 million

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Source: Jets will release David Nelson to make room for Percy Harvin (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York October 18, 2014

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/44867/source-jets-will-release-david-nelson-to-make-room-for-percy-harvin?ex_cid=espnapi_public

In comes one former Gator, out goes another.

To make room for Percy Harvin, whose trade still hasn't been formally announced by the New York Jets, the team is releasing fellow wide receiver David Nelson, a league source confirmed.

Nelson and Harvin were teammates at the University of Florida.

Nelson was essentially a starting receiver for the Jets, which makes this a surprising move. In Thursday night's loss to the New England Patriots, he played 63 of 87 offensive snaps. He finished with one catch for 11 yards. His numbers for the season: Eight catches for 65 yards. He missed one game because of an ankle injury.

This is another curious move by general manager John Idzik. Basically, the Jets' receiving corps is Eric Decker and a bunch of slot/undersized receivers -- Harvin, Jeremy Kerley, Greg Salas, T.J. Graham, Saalim Hakim and Walter Powell. They have Chris Owusu (6-foot-2), but he has yet to dress for a game.

At 6-foot-5, Nelson offered great size and possession-receiving skills. He has consistent hands, an attribute in short supply on this receiving corps. He also was a good influence in the locker room, a quality they might miss, considering Harvin's reputation as a diva.

It will be interesting to see how offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg pieces it together. The Jets must see Harvin as an every-down player, which the Seattle Seahawks didn't. He played only 59 percent of their snaps this season.

Kerley, the top slot receiver, has faded in recent weeks, having compiled only seven catches in the past four games. Mornhinweg's new flavor of the month was Salas, who missed this week's game because of wrist and ankle injuries. Graham, signed less than a month ago, has seen his role expand over the past three games. He played 22 of 87 snaps against the Patriots, probably absorbing some of Salas' reps.

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SATURDAY’S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS

Associated Press October 18, 2014

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http://www.chron.com/default/article/Saturday-s-Sports-Transactions-5831980.php

BASKETBALL

National Basketball Association

CHICAGO BULLS — Waived Gs Kim English and Ben Hansbrough.

FOOTBALL

National Football League

CLEVELAND BROWNS — Signed DL Jacobbi McDaniel from the practice squad. Waived TE Gerell Robinson.

DALLAS COWBOYS — Waived DT Ken Bishop. Signed LB Keith Smith from their practice squad.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS — Released TE Tom Crabtree. Signed LB Todd Davis from the practice squad.

NEW YORK JETS — Acquired WR Percy Harvin from Seattle for a conditional draft pick. Released WR David Nelson.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS — Placed DE Cassius Marsh on injured reserve. Signed TE RaShaun Allen and S Steven Terrell from the practice squad.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS — Activated DE Stephen Bowen from the physically-unable-to-perform list. Placed LB Akeem Jordan on injured reserve.

HOCKEY

National Hockey League

DETROIT RED WINGS — Recalled G Petr Mrazek from Grand Rapids (AHL).

American Hockey League

GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS — Announced G Jared Coreau was assigned to the team from Toledo (ECHL).

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