Anyone who was hoping for the Kansas City Chiefs to sign veteran linebacker David Harris will likely be more upset knowing the Patriots signed him in the end.
Earlier this month, the New York Jets released veteran linebacker David Harris, the longest-tenured player on the team, in a cost-cutting move that also included wideout Eric Decker. Harris is obviously an aging veteran whose best playing days are behind him, however for a team with a potential need for security and performance at the position, signing Harris made sense for a team like the Kansas City Chiefs. Unfortunately the best team in the NFL decided to sign him instead.
New Patriot LB David Harris got a two-year, $5 million deal. Up to $1.75 million in incentives. $1.25 million guaranteed.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) June 21, 2017
The Chiefs could have easily afforded this kind of deal, so it’s a complete guess on our part as to whether the team was even interested. There was certainly no visit given to Harris, which means John Dorsey and company likely feel just fine about the players they have in house. That said, he was a nice option on the open market for if/when the Chiefs have might decided to seek outside help.
For now, Derrick Johnson is looking like he’s going to make his timeline of being ready for training camp coming off of an Achilles injury. Ramik Wilson improved as the season went on. Josh Mauga is no longer on the roster but remains available as a free agent to sign, and the team has D.J. Alexander and Justin March-Lillard among other players vying for reps. If the Chiefs get into training camp and feel the overall depth chart is a weakness, there are other linebacker options in free agency, including Rey Maualuga who the Chiefs already brought in, but Harris was definitely the best player available.