It’s been quite the overall when it comes to the New York Jets in 2017. But the release of linebacker David Harris is a big surprise.
It’s amazing what a disappointing season can do to a franchise. In 2015, the New York Jets finished 10-6 and just missed out on grabbing a playoff berth. One year later, the team fell on its collective facemasks and dropped to 5-11 and last place in the AFC East.
It’s been an offseason of big-time departures for the Green and White. Wide receiver Brandon Marshall, center Nick Mangold, cornerback Darrelle Revis and kicker Nick Folk were all cut loose by management. Recently, safety Calvin Pryor was dealt to the Cleveland Browns. And quarterbacks Ryan Fitzpatrick (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and Geno Smith (New York Giants) have moved onto different pastures.
Now the Jets are in the process of parting ways with 10-year inside linebacker David Harris (via ESPN’s Adam Schefter). A second-round pick in 2007, the former Michigan Wolverine has been one of the team’s most consistent performers. This past season, he led the club with 94 tackles. It marked the eighth consecutive year and ninth time in 10 campaigns that the steady pro paced the Jets in total stops.
Harris missed only six games in 10 seasons and was in the starting lineup for 147 of his 156 contests. Along with the tackles, he totaled 35 sacks, six interceptions, 10 forced fumbles and 30 passes defensed.
More fansided.com: Each NFL team’s biggest question mark
Ironically, Harris’ spot at inside linebacker (alongside 2016 first-round pick Darron Lee) will be filled by Demario Davis, just reacquired from the Browns in the Pryor trade. Davis spent his first four seasons with the Jets before leaving for Cleveland. It’s safe to say that the five-year pro has some big shoes to fill when it comes to David Harris. And the veteran defender shouldn’t be unemployed for long.
Add us as a preferred source on Google