Will David Harris rejoin Bob Sutton with the Kansas City Chiefs?

For the last decade, David Harris has roamed the middle of the New York Jets defense, but now the veteran will be released, per Adam Schefter.

In a move that Adam Schefter calls a “roster surprise,” the New York Jets have let the word slip that they plan on releasing longtime linebacker David Harris.

Harris was the team’s second round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, and has manned the middle for the Jets ever since, a total 154 career games (147 of which were starts). Playing behind one of the best defensive lines in the last few years (with Sheldon Richardson, Leonard Williams, Muhammad Wilkerson) and with a tough secondary behind him for several seasons (including Darrelle Revis), Harris was free to roam the middle and develop as the heart of the defense.

Rich Cimini of ESPN says that retirement is an option for Harris after a long career with the Jets. It’s possible Harris will need some time away to make his decision, and he’s certainly earned that time to reflect. That said, it will be interesting to see if a veteran team like the Chiefs, with a potential need for some veteran help at linebacker, would kick the tires on Harris to see what’s left in the tank and whether he’d even be interested.

Chiefs defensive coordinator Bob Sutton came over from the Jets and would know well what Harris brings to the table. Derrick Johnson mans one inside linebacker position in the team’s base defense, but he’s returning from an Achilles injury, and the team did little to bring in help this offseason apart from drafting Ukeme Eligwe in the fifth round, who might be more of a developmental prospect than immediate help on a veteran defense that’s ready for a playoff run.  Josh Mauga also departed in free agency. The Chiefs do have Ramik Wilson and Justin March-Lillard waiting for their chance to play alongside or even supplant Johnson if necessary.

Harris has 1,087 career tackles along with 35 sacks and 6 interceptions in his NFL career.