If David Harris hits the free agent market next month, the longtime Jets middle linebacker is expected to be among the most sought-after defenders available. Two of his possible suitors could be the Falcons and Bears, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com tweeted Friday. According to McClure, both teams will “definitely” be interested in Harris should he become available on March 10.
The 31-year-old Harris has been a key piece for the Jets since they drafted him out of Michigan in 2007. The 2014 season, Harris’ eighth in the NFL, saw the 250-pounder play in a whopping 99% of defensive snaps for New York and total 124 tackles and six sacks.
Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reported earlier this week that the Jets aim to retain Harris, who is coming off a four-year, $36MM deal.
“I would say that David is a player we would very much like to get back in the mix,” said Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan at this week’s combine, according to Dom Cosentino of NJ.com.
If the Jets are unable to re-sign Harris, it seems either Atlanta or Chicago would make sense as destinations. Both finished in the the bottom three of the league in total defense last season. Moreover, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Harris would be an improvement over the clubs’ current starting middle linebackers – the Falcons’ Paul Worrilow and the Bears’ D.J. Williams.