Trade shocker: Seahawks deal Percy Harvin to Jets

In a stunning move, particularly for the middle of the NFL season, the Seattle Seahawks have agreed to trade receiver Percy Harvin to the New York Jets in exchange for a conditional draft pick in 2015.

A source familiar with the negotiations but not authorized to discuss them publicly said the Seahawks only received a late-round pick for Harvin, a shock considering they gave up picks in the first, third and seventh rounds to get him from Minnesota during the 2013 off-season.

News of Friday’s trade was first reported by Fox’s Jay Glazer.

The speedy Harvin was a key offensive component for the Seahawks and was a star of the Super Bowl against Denver, returning a kickoff 87 yards for a touchdown and finishing with 137 yards in four touches.

According to individuals with knowledge of the situation, Harvin had “worn out his welcome” with the Seahawks and created tension with his frequent mood swings.

By trading Harvin, the Seahawks will save about $5 million on their 2015 salary cap. That will help when it comes to signing several key players to long-term deals, among them quarterback Russell Wilson, linebackers Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright, and tackle Russell Okung.

The Seahawks likely will lean more heavily on their running game, and look to receivers Doug Baldwin and Jermaine Kearse and Ricardo Lockette to pick up the slack. Also, the Saehawks are hoping to get more playing time for rookie receivers Kevin Norwood and Paul Richardson.