Fearing that they might lose linebacker David Harris to the Buffalo Bills and former head coach Rex Ryan, the New York Jets seemingly overpaid big time to retain the veteran.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Jets re-signed Harris to a three-year, $21.5 million contract with $15 million guaranteed over the first two years.
That’s a whole heck of a lot of money to pay for an inside linebacker that’s going to be closer to 32 than 31 when the 2015 season comes calling.
This could also signify how the market might play out when free agency gets going. With an average salary of over $7 million, Harris now ranks in the top 10 among inside linebackers in the NFL.
Considering the Jets had over $38 million in cap room before re-signing Harris, it’s a move they could afford to make.
Harris, a second-round pick out of Michigan in 2007, has recorded 110-plus tackles in each of the past three seasons. According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Harris ranked 18th out of a possible 55 inside linebackers in the NFL last year.
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