FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets have released linebacker David Harris, a stunning move in which they part ways with the second-leading tackler in franchise history.
Harris, who practiced with the team Tuesday and was in the locker room afterward, will save the Jets $6.5 million on the salary cap by being cut.
The move came as a surprise because of Harris’ status as the Jets’ longest-tenured player and one if its most-respected leaders. Coach Todd Bowles calls it “an organizational decision,” and discussions about redoing Harris’ contract “broke down.”
The 33-year-old middle linebacker was a second-round draft pick out of Michigan in 2007.