Source: Jets may franchise Harris
New York Jets linebacker David Harris (52) makes an interception in front of New England Patriots running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis (42) on a pass thrown by Tom Brady during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game. (Jan. 16, 2011) Credit: AP
With 17 impending free agents, the Jets have several decisions to make on key players. It appears as though they are getting closer to their first one. The Jets probably will place their franchise tag on linebacker David Harris, a source with knowledge of the situation confirmed Sunday. The team is leaning in that direction, a source said, but the Jets have not informed Harris of their intentions.
Teams can begin applying the franchise tag Thursday, and it would guarantee Harris a one-year salary of about $10 million (last season's number was roughly $9.6 million). But it's unclear exactly how everything would work out because of the unsettled labor situation.
General manager Mike Tannenbaum has made it clear that re-signing Harris, whom teammates voted their 2010 MVP, is a top priority, and the Jets want to lock up the final member of their "Core Four.'' Tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson, cornerback Darrelle Revis and center Nick Mangold signed new contracts during the past six months.
Even if Harris, 27, is franchised, the Jets can work out a long-term deal with one of their most important defenders. He made a team-high 99 combined tackles this season, his fourth, and had three sacks.
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