Free agent wide receiver Percy Harvin, a 2015 Buffalo Bills player that the team had been hoping to re-sign, has decided to retire from pro football, according to multiple reports.
After going back and forth about playing in 2016, Percy Harvin decides to retire https://t.co/vgnj6i4EU0
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) April 14, 2016
Percy Harvin told the Bills he is retiring, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 14, 2016
#Bills WR Percy Harvin decided to play a month ago, changed his mind, finalized the choice to retire today. Great talent. Always his own man
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 14, 2016
Harvin, still just 27 years old, appeared in five games for the Bills last season before landing on IR with knee and hip issues. He'd had surgery, hit free agency, and was mulling several offers - including one from the Bills, who had had it on the table for several weeks - before ultimately calling it quits.
The Bills had likely been hoping to re-insert a healthy Harvin into a rotation with Robert Woods at the outside receiver spot opposite top wideout Sammy Watkins; if they're still looking for that type of rotation, they will either need to draft someone, or hope that one of several talented, albeit unproven players competing for a roster spot rise to the occasion.