Jets release 10-year veteran David Harris
Another of the New York Jets' longest-tenured players is on the way out the door.
The Jets released veteran linebacker David Harris after being unable to agree on a reduced salary, head coach Todd Bowles confirmed Tuesday.
Harris initially landed in New York as a second-round pick in 2007. He went on to start 147 games over the following 10 seasons, topping the 100-tackle mark on six occasions while racking up 35 sacks and six interceptions.
Related: David Harris' agents criticize timing of release by Jets
The surprise move, which saves $6.5 million in cap space this season, comes just days after the Jets reacquired Demario Davis from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for Calvin Pryor.
Harris' departure immediately clears the way for Davis, originally a third-round pick of the Jets, to step back into a starting role alongside 2016 first-rounder Darron Lee.
The 33-year-old will now head to unrestricted free agency with the opportunity to catch on with another team before training camp. Though his age will presumably prevent him from landing a long-term deal, there should be no shortage of teams interested in scooping up an experienced defensive leader who's still maintaining a solid level of production.
Starting all but one game last season, Harris finished his final year in a Jets uniform with 95 tackles, 0.5 sacks, and two passes defensed.