Ex-Giant Paysinger joins Jets
The Jets signed former Giants linebacker Spencer Paysinger on Friday, as they bring in competition to fill the spot vacated by David Harris this week.
Paysinger, 28, spent the past two seasons with the Dolphins, but began his career with the Giants in 2011, spending four years with Big Blue.
He has played in 91 games, starting 17 in his career. He has five fumble recoveries and one sack in his career. He started three games for the Dolphins last year and played in 15.
With the Jets releasing Harris this week, they are left with a hole in the middle of their defense. Jets coach Todd Bowles said Demario Davis, Bruce Carter and Julian Stanford would compete for the starting spot. You can now add Paysinger to that group.
Harris wrote a goodbye letter to the Jets and their fans on the team’s website.
“The past couple of days have allowed me to reflect on my career with the New York Jets and how grateful I am,” Harris wrote. “First, I want to thank Woody Johnson and everyone in the Jets organization who gave me the opportunity to live out my childhood dream of playing at this level, for every day of these last 10 years. Thank you for exposing a kid from the southeast side of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and his family, to so many wonderful experiences. We have made lifelong memories here in New York.”
He thanked his three head coaches with the Jets — Eric Mangini, Rex Ryan and Bowles — as well as the team’s training staff and other assistant coaches.
Harris, who has the second-most tackles in franchise history, ended his letter with a joke about not reaching No. 1 on that list.
“P.S. — To Kyle Clifton, your Jets all-time tackle record is now safe.”
The Jets have had recent talks with free agent outside linebacker Erik Walden, according to a source. Walden had 11 sacks last season for the Colts. With the Jets in teardown mode, it would be curious if they signed a 31-year-old player right now, but they might if the price is right.