National Football League

Seahawks trade Percy Harvin to Jets for conditional pick

Published Oct. 17, 2014 5:38 p.m. ET

foxsports

The first big trade of the 2014 NFL season has happened.

FOX Sports' Jay Glazer learned Friday that Seattle is sending wide receiver Percy Harvin to the New York Jets for a conditional draft pick.

The Jets announced the trade Saturday morning.

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

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

"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," Seahawks general manager John Schneider said in a statement regarding Harvin's release. "We thank Percy for his efforts that contributed to a Super Bowl XLVIII victory and wish him well."

The 26-year-old Harvin has played in only 43 career games since being a first-round pick (22nd overall) by Minnesota in 2009. He was traded to the Seahawks in 2013, appearing in just one regular-season game because of hip surgery. But he had two rushes for 45 yards and ran back the second-half kickoff 87 yards for a touchdown in Seattle's 43-8 win over 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. The Seahawks have tried to find a variety of ways to use him in their offense as a runner, receiver and on special teams, but 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 per 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 and the Jets have lost six straight since opening with a win over Oakland. 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, Harvin made the Pro Bowl and was 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.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.