David Harris is joining the team he tried to topple for the past decade.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported the New England Patriots are signing the former New York Jets linebacker to a two-year deal, per a source involved in the deal. Rapoport added the deal has a base value of $5 million with $1.25 million guaranteed. Harris can earn up to $6.75 million total with incentives.
ESPN first reported the signing.
The Jets cut the 33-year-old veteran earlier this month. At a press conference after the move, coach Todd Bowles said Harris "bled green."
It took just over a fortnight for Harris to switch his allegiances to the division rivals.
In 10 years with the Jets, Harris compiled 1,087 tackles, 35 sacks, 31 passes defensed and six interceptions. While his play has fallen off with age, Harris remains a tackling stalwart in the middle. He missed his first game in seven years last season.
Harris joins a Patriots linebacking corps that could use depth up the gut. He's the latest veteran Bill Belichick has pillaged from division rivals, joining corner Stephon Gilmore, running back Mike Gillislee this year and Chris Hogan last offseason.
Harris is the type of smart, hardworking, no-nonsense addition Belichick loves.
The Harris signing is another reminder that coming off a Super Bowl victory, the Patriots' additions this offseason have greatly improved a subtly flawed roster as New England barrels towards a sixth Lombardi Trophy.
