Why the New York Jets Absolutely Must Retain David Harris

The New York Jets are a team in rebuilding mode after reshaping the front office earlier this offseason.

Re-signing a linebacker in his 30s is usually not a good idea for a rebuilding squad. Nonetheless, David Harris is an integral part of the Jets defense and must be brought back before he hits the open market.

He has played at a near-Pro Bowl level for the last half-decade. Frankly, it is shocking that he has never made it on the squad.

The 31-year-old can do it all on the field. He is an outstanding tackler, especially near the line of scrimmage. His ability in coverage is often overlooked and he is one of the finest pass-rushing inside linebackers of this millennium.

Harris' statistics since his NFL debut in 2007 are about as impressive as they come.

The Michigan product has over 120 tackles in five of his eight seasons, including three straight from 2012 to 2014. He has a tremendous 30.5 sacks as well as nine forced fumbles and six interceptions over that span.

Year	Tackles (Rank Among ILBs)	Sacks	Interceptions
2011	86 (32nd)	5 (1st)	4 (1st)
2012	123 (12th)	3 (8th)	0
2013	124 (11th)	2 (17th)	0
2014	123 (8th)	5.5 (1st)	0

Harris has also notched 27 stuffs and 23 pass deflections in his career.

To put it simply, Harris is one of the most complete and reliable inside linebackers in the NFL, and he has been since he first put on a Jets uniform.

The former second-round pick's importance goes well beyond the stat sheet, however.

Harris is the leader of the defense both on and off the field. He sets an example for the younger players with his quiet demeanor and superb work ethic, and he leaves it all on the field every Sunday.

Harris is also the only key defensive piece left from New York's dominant defenses from the beginning of the Rex Ryan era. With him around, the Jets can maintain the same kind of toughness that made those units great.

The Michigan native is also one of the few players on Gang Green's roster with big-game experience. Without him, the team would have to rely upon more than a few unproven youngsters.

Handing out a long-term deal to Harris is a risk. There is no doubt about that. He could easily fall off a cliff due to his age, and inside linebacker isn't as big of a priority position as it once was.

Additionally, Harris would take away money that could be best spent elsewhere.

Nonetheless, the reward far outweighs the risk. The veteran linebacker has shown no signs of slowing down, and Spotrac indicates the Jets have more than enough salary-cap space to bring him back and make several big moves on the open market.

Replacing Harris could also be an issue, as there are very few fantastic inside linebackers available in either the draft or free agency.

Head coach Todd Bowles and general manager Mike Maccagnan are doing their best to change the culture of the entire franchise, but Harris must remain in the middle of the defense.

The Jets must make re-signing Harris a priority this offseason or they risk not only losing a productive player, but a leader, fan favorite and true Jet.