Agent: Jets Lock Up Linebacker Harris For 4 Years
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) -- David Harris will be anchoring the New York Jets' linebacking corps for at least four more years.
The playmaking linebacker signed a new four-year deal Tuesday night, agent Brian Mackler said, after Harris was originally looking for an extension.
Harris signed his franchise tender before the NFL lockout began in March, but Mackler said they tore up the tag and worked out a completely new contract. Mackler added that the deal includes the highest amount of guaranteed money -- but wouldn't say how much -- for an inside linebacker on a four-year contract.
A person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press that the contract is worth $36 million, with $29.6 guaranteed. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because neither the team nor Harris' agent announced the terms.
Carolina's Jon Beason recently signed a five-year, $50 million extension with $25 million guaranteed, according to published reports.
The 27-year-old Harris was drafted in the second round out of Michigan in 2007. He became a starter after the Jets traded Jonathan Vilma before the 2008 season. He has 428 tackles and 14 1/2 sacks in four seasons.
After Tuesday morning's walkthrough, Harris said he expected an extension to be worked out soon. A few hours later, he thanked the organization and said he was "thrilled to play my career out with the Jets."
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
