New York Jets: 5 Best Options to Replace David Harris This Offseason

One of the New York Jets’ top priorities this offseason is to re-sign do-it-all linebacker David Harris.

Harris is one of the leaders of Gang Green’s defense, both on and off the field. His significance is often understated, and the team would have a massive hole if he found a new home.

However, the Jets have to be prepared for the worst-case scenario, as several teams will likely court Harris, and he might want to jump to a contender before it’s too late.

Click through for the five best options to replace the Michigan product if he does leave the bright lights of New York.

Rolando McClain

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Rolando McClain hasn’t had an easy path through the NFL.

The Alabama product was drafted eighth overall in 2010 as one of the finest linebacker prospects in recent memory.

However, several high-profile off-field issues derailed McClain’s promising career, and he found himself jobless just three years out of college.

McClain ultimately decided to retire at just 23 in order to get his life together, but he returned to the league last season when the linebacker-needy Dallas Cowboys came calling.

With Dallas, McClain returned to the form that made him a top-10 pick. He made plays all over the field and was a huge reason for the team’s improvement on the defensive side of the ball.

Now McClain is a free agent, but he still has very little leverage, especially considering he was handed a four-game fine just last month for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Nonetheless, the 25-year-old would be a low-risk, high-reward signing for head coach Todd Bowles and Co., as he could easily improve upon his solid 2014 and become a steady presence in the middle of the defense.

Brandon Spikes

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Brandon Spikes is nowhere near as complete of a player as David Harris.

However, his ability in stopping the run is almost unparalleled in the league today.

The former second-round selection has made a living off thriving in two-down situations, as he can explode through holes and wrap up runners with the best of them.

Spikes has spent his entire career in the AFC East, with the Patriots and Bills, respectively, so he wouldn’t need much of an adjustment period to prep for the competition.

In addition, the 27-year-old will be a bargain compared to Harris, especially if the latter hits the open market.

Spikes isn’t a sexy signing by any means, but he would undoubtedly make New York’s already-stout run defense even stronger.

Mason Foster

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Mason Foster comes with question marks, but he probably has much more upside than any other free-agent inside linebacker available.

Foster missed six games last season with a shoulder injury, but he was solid, if unspectacular, in the years prior.

In 2012 and 2013, Foster averaged nearly 100 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions.

The former third-round selection hasn’t been terrific in his NFL career, but he still has the potential to develop into an above-average linebacker.

Foster is just 26 and has shown an ability to make plays in both coverage and run-stopping situations.

The Washington product isn’t the sure thing that Harris is, but he would make the Jets both younger and faster in the middle of the defense.

Denzel Perryman

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With limited options available in free agency, New York could opt to replace Harris through the draft.

Denzel Perryman is one of the top inside linebacker prospects available, and for good reason.

Perryman lacks ideal size (5'11", 236 lbs), but he makes up for it with a bulldog attitude on the field. He is an explosive tackler who excels at reading and adjusting to routes in coverage.

The Miami product would also bring a team-first presence to the defense, as he proved to be a leader both on and off the field during his collegiate career with the University of Miami.

Perryman has all the makings of a near-elite linebacker at the NFL level. The Jets would be smart to make a move for him in either the second or third round.

Paul Dawson

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Paul Dawson is one of the top linebacker prospects available for both his production in college and his potential. 

Dawson was an absolute beast in the middle for one of the best teams in the country this past season. The TCU product recorded a ridiculous 136 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, six sacks and four interceptions in 13 games. 

Dawson possesses remarkable quickness and agility, and he has no problem attacking holes or dropping back in coverage. He is capable of making a big play on seemingly any snap.

The 21-year-old does come with some question marks, however. He lacks prototypical size and may have trouble adjusting to complex NFL playbooks.

Additionally, Dawson's skill set probably makes him a better fit in 4-3 schemes as opposed to the Jets' 3-4 alignment. 

However, Dawson's ceiling is too great to ignore. Under the right guidance, he should be able to make an impact in any system. 

The Jets should keep a close eye on the Texas native in the first few rounds.