Jets cut LB Harris; Decker may be next
No. 2 tackler in team history released in money-saving move.
The New York Jets released linebacker David Harris, a stunning move in which they parted ways with the second-leading tackler in franchise history.
And they aren’t finished. A few hours after Harris was released Tuesday, general manager Mike Maccagnan announced the team plans to cut or trade veteran wide receiver Eric Decker.
Harris, 33, who practiced Tuesday, will save the Jets $6.5 million on the salary cap by being cut.
The move came as a surprise because of Harris’ status as the Jets’ longest-tenured player and one if its most respected leaders. Coach Todd Bowles said discussions about redoing Harris’ contract broke down.
The Jets reacquired Demario Davis from Cleveland last week for safety Calvin Pryor, but Bowles said he doesn’t believe that played a role in the decision to release Harris. Davis is the front-runner to take Harris’ starting spot.
Decker’s departure will save the Jets $7.25 million on the cap.
Decker, 30, had 163 catches for 2,183 yards and 19 touchdowns in three seasons with the Jets butwas limited to t nine receptions for 194 yards and two TDs in three games last year because of a shoulder injury. His torn rotator cuff was repaired last November — just over a month after having surgery on his hip — but appeared to be recovering during the offseason.
Bills: With prompting from former Eagles teammate LeSean McCoy, freeagent receiver Jeremy Maclin is making Buffalo the first stop in his bid to land a new job. The Bills hosted Maclin for a visit Tuesday, four days after he was released by the Kansas City Chiefs for salary-cap reasons.
Raiders: Marshawn Lynch says he made the decision to come out of retirement as soon as his hometown Raiders announced they were leaving Oakland. He said it was always a dream to play in Oakland, and it became even more important when the Raiders were approved to move to Las Vegas in 2020. Lynch retired after the 2015 season with Seattle, and his rights were traded to the Raiders on April 26.
Patriots: After appearing in just eight games last season before undergoing back surgery for the third time in his career, tight end Rob Gronkowski is confident he’s fully ready for the season. “Definitely no doubts,” he said Tuesday after the first of the Patriots’ threeday mandatory minicamp.
Vikings: Quarterback Sam Bradford sat out the team’s practice with what coach Mike Zimmer called muscle tightness.
Lions: Left tackle Taylor Decker had shoulder surgery and is out indefinitely. Coach Jim Caldwell didn’t think the surgery would end Decker’s 2017 season.