New England Patriots sign former Jets linebacker David Harris
The New England Patriots have reportedly signed former New York Jets linebacker David Harris to a two-year deal.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Wednesday morning that the New England Patriots have struck a two-year deal with former New York Jets linebacker, David Harris.
Former Jets LB David Harris has reached agreement on a two-year deal with...the New England Patriots, source tells ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 21, 2017
It came as a bit of a surprise this offseason when the Jets parted ways with Harris. After a poor season by rookie linebacker Darron Lee, the Jets really appeared to be giving up on the season when they released Harris. Now, Lee will be asked to be a starter after being considered as one of the worst linebackers in the NFL when he played last season. For Harris, he will now be going from one of the worst teams in the AFC to one of the best.
Harris played 10 seasons with New York since being drafted in the second round of the 2007 draft. Over his career, he’s collected 708 tackles, 35 sacks, 10 forced fumbles, and six interceptions. In 2016, Harris tallied 94 total tackles and half a sack.
The 33-year-old linebacker is no stranger to the Patriots. In 19 games versus New England, Harris has 126 total tackles and four-and-a-half sacks. Additionally, in the 2010 playoffs, he ended Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady’s streak of 339 passes without an interception.
New England currently now has 10 linebackers on the roster, including Dont’a Hightower, Elandon Roberts, Kyle Van Noy, and Shea McClellin. NESN’s Doug Kyed Tweeted that he believes Harris “could start” beside Hightower on “early downs”:
Could start next to Dont'a Hightower on early downs https://t.co/1Kt4V7jO78
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) June 21, 2017
Harris joins cornerback Stephon Gilmore and running back Mike Gillislee as the third free agent from within the AFC East to sign with the Patriots. The addition of Harris will give the Patriots more depth at linebacker, and also help keep Dont’a Hightower fresh throughout the season.
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Even though he was released by New York, Harris is still a capable linebacker in the NFL. Now, Harris will be attempting to help his new team repeat as Super Bowl Champions in 2017.