One of the most beloved players in the Jets' locker room will be headed to the team's most heated rival.
ESPN reported Wednesday that the Patriots have reached a two-year agreement with linebacker David Harris who, up until early June, had been the longest-tenured current Jet. On June 6, the Jets released Harris after 10 seasons with the team.
The release was part of a complete roster overhaul _ one that saw the Jets shedding veterans and salary at a rapid rate _ but it wasn't necessarily met with overwhelming joy. Darron Lee and Sheldon Richardson, both of whom were very close to the likeable Harris, expressed sadness at his forced departure. The move occurred after contract talks fell through between Harris' camp and the Jets' front office.
Harris was the Jets' defensive leader _ an excellent run stuffer and a wily presence inside who led the team in tackles (63 solo and 95 combined) last season.
Harris, 33, has been very durable throughout his career. His streak of 121 straight games at middle linebacker was snapped in 2016 because of a hamstring injury in Week 6. Before that, he hadn't missed a game since Nov. 30, 2008.
