David Harris: New York Jets Inside Linebacker Finally Gets Paid

Now that the excitement of the abbreviated free-agency period has died down, the Jets seem to have finally addressed something that for over two years now they've ignored. 

Seriously, what took so long for David Harris to get some love?

Harris a man who lets his play speak for itself waited patiently and kept faith in the organization.

For a guy who makes his living trying to crush people though, one could argue that perhaps he's too nice.

Last year, the Jets took care of three "Core Four" Pro Bowlers in Darrelle Revis, Nick Mangold and D'Brickashaw Ferguson with new contracts.  All three moves were necessary and correct. 

Revis, as we all know, is arguably one of the best players in all of football.  Meanwhile Mangold and Ferguson are anchors to an offensive line protecting Mark Sanchez and helping support a solid running game.

This year, the Jets continued to hold tight to key assets Santonio Holmes and Antonio Cromartie, plus added Plaxico Burress at wide receiver.  All defensible moves by Mike Tannenbaum needed to help Gang Green in their push for the Super Bowl.  

All of this year's draft picks have been signed, with the exception of Kendrick Ellis, and even kicker Nick Folk is under contract.

Meanwhile, during the lockout, just about every news source said something to the effect that the Jets need to sign Harris to a long-term deal.

Until now the only mention of Harris came when the Jets were pursuing Nnamdi Asomugha and potentially needed him to sign a long-term deal to get all of the moving parts in place.  With that deal falling through, Harris once again vanished into the ether.   

Finally, Mike Tannenbaum took care of the man.

It's refreshing to see someone who plays hard and never puts himself before the team get rewarded.  Shame there aren't more players like him out there.  At four years for $36 million with $29.5 million guaranteed, he's worth it.