New York Jets: Stay or Go, David Harris Edition

Dec 28, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New York Jets inside linebacker

David Harris

(52) sacks Miami Dolphins quarterback

Ryan Tannehill

(17) in the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Jets defeated Miami 37-24. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

Let’s again drop the talk about the general manager and head coach searches, and talk about the roster for a few minutes. Whomever is running the Jets from the personnel side is going to have a lot of decisions to make. The Jets have players that have contracts expiring at the end of 2015, and some that are not under contract today. The decision will have to be made, if they should stay or go.

We looked at one of those players the other day when we talked about Percy Harvin. This time, we are going to talk about a long time member of the New York Jets. He has been a stout member of the Jets linebacking group over his eight year career.

His name is David Harris. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons for Harris.

Nov 24, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Jets inside linebacker David Harris (52) against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

David Harris was drafted by the Jets in the second round of the 2007 draft, 47th overall. The Jets felt that Harris was more of a fit in Eric Mangini’s defensive scheme, making Jonathan Vilma expendable. The Jets were certainly right on about David Harris.

Right the from the beginning, Harris showed he was going to be a force to be reckoned with. As a rookie, although he only started nine games, Harris posted 127 tackles (90 solo). He added three passes defended, five sacks, and two forced fumbles.

David Harris was making his mark, and was here to stay.

Dec 28, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA;New York Jets inside linebacker David Harris (52) sacks Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) in the first quarter at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

Beginning in 2008, Harris started every game he was active for.

His numbers were a bit off in 2008, but David Harris took off in 2009, and hasn’t looked back. In 2009, Harris posted another 127 tackles (82 solo), 5.5 sacks, three passes defended and two forced fumbles. From 2009 on, Harris never posted a season of less than 86 tackles.

Even in this past season of 4-12, Harris was the model of consistency. He posted 124 tackles (72 solo), to go along with tying a career best 5.5 sacks. Harris has been the perfect NFL linebacker for Demario Davis to learn from.

Dec 28, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New York Jets inside linebacker Demario Davis (56) in the first quarter at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

In spite of all of that, we have to take into account David Harris’ age. Harris is at the magic number, where as a football player, you start to go down hill. David Harris has reached that ripe old age of 30. There is much evidence, going throughout NFL history, that his best play is behind him.

One reason that we can look at the age, is the presence of Demario Davis. After a rookie season playing second fiddle to Bart Scott, Demario Davis has come into his own in the Jets defense. His numbers have shot up from 36 tackles his first season, to 107 in his second year, and 116 in 2014. Davis has become a very consistent tackler,in a similar mode to David Harris.

There is also some evidence that Harris’ play has fallen off just a bit. We take a look at the grades from our friends at Pro Football Focus. From 2013 to 2014, Harris’ total missed tackles went from 7 to 13. His grade in pass defense went from 1.8 to -3.2.

Has David Harris begun to slow down?

Nov 24, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Jets inside linebacker David Harris (52) against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Finally, we have to take a look at the financial part of the equation.

David Harris is a free agent. This we know. Per the website Over the Cap, Harris’ average salary has been $9,000,000 per season. That’s a lot of money for a linebacker of the wrong side of 30 years old.

What would Harris be willing to take? Is it worth it to retain him, or should they open the spot for a younger player?