The intention was never for receiver Percy Harvin to play out the fifth and final year of his rookie contract. The Vikings generally address their top players' contracts a year early. Harvin knows that and expects a new deal.
Issues and all, Harvin was an early-season MVP candidate and may have his sights set on top-10 receiver money, which would put him in the $9 million annual range. But are the Vikings willing to make that type of commitment, and does Harvin want to be here?
If no deal can be worked out, it would only make sense for the Vikings to shop Harvin, with a draft pick or picks in the second or third round the probable return. First-round picks simply are too cheap and valuable to give up on top of a mega-contract.