David Harris' agents criticize timing of release by Jets

The New York Jets released another of their most senior players Tuesday, cutting ties with linebacker David Harris after 10 seasons.

Harris' agents, Brian Mackler and Jim Ivler, released a statement on their client's release later in the day, criticizing the Jets for waiting to make the move until this late in the offseason.

"Very disappointing in the timing of this event and the decision," wrote Macker and Ivler, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. "The Jets could have done this prior to free agency instead of waiting three months, especially for a player who has exhibited nothing but loyalty and class for 10 years."

Harris carried a $6.5-million cap hit in 2017 - the last year of his contract - but it appeared New York was happy to carry the relatively high number.

After the allowing the likes of Darrelle Revis, Brandon Marshall, and Ryan Fitzpatrick to walk this offseason, Harris was one of the team's last remaining veteran presences.

Head coach Todd Bowles confirmed Tuesday that the Jets tried to negotiate a pay cut with Harris before opting to cut him.

Asked why the move was happening now, Bowles responded, "That's a good question. Talks broke down. It happened abruptly, obviously," according to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio.

While the 33-year-old isn't the force he once was, he finished 2016 as Pro Football Focus' 35th-ranked linebacker, with the site rating his coverage skills highly.