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          NFL Nation

          Jets free-agent market watch: David Harris

          • Rich Cimini, ESPN Staff WriterFeb 26, 2015, 08:00 AM ET
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              Rich Cimini is a staff writer who covers the New York Jets and the NFL at ESPN. Rich has covered the Jets for over 30 years, joining ESPN in 2010. Rich also hosts the Flight Deck podcast. He previously was a beat writer for the New York Daily News and is a graduate of Syracuse University. You can follow him via Twitter @RichCimini.
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          With free agency set to begin March 10, we'll examine the New York Jets' top free agents over the next few days:

          Player: David Harris

          Position: Inside linebacker

          Age: 31

          Previous contract: He made $36 million over a four-year contract.

          2014 stats: Recorded a team-high 124 tackles, including 73 solo. Also had six sacks, five tackles-for-loss and two forced fumbles. He played 99.4 percent of the defensive snaps.

          The case to keep him: There's no heir apparent on the roster and the free-agent market is thin. If they part ways with Harris, a mainstay since 2007, they'd be looking at the likes of Brandon Spikes and A.J. Hawk (released Wednesday by the Green Bay Packers). Harris isn't a flashy, Pro Bowl-type player, but he's smart, consistent, durable and selfless. The man has no ego whatsoever; he's team-oriented all the way. Obviously, he'd have to learn a new defensive system under Todd Bowles, but it wouldn't be a major transition. With a ton of cap room, the Jets would look silly if they let one of their heart-and-soul players walk away.

          The case to let him go: There's only one negative -- his age. Harris has played eight years at a physically demanding position, so you have to worry about wear and tear taking a toll at some point. Then again, Bowles isn't opposed to having an older linebacker in the middle of his defense. He got a solid year out of Larry Foote, 34, last season with the Arizona Cardinals. Like Harris, Foote attended Michigan. They make 'em tough in Ann Arbor.

          Crystal ball: There is motivation on both sides to hammer out a deal, so look for something to get done before March 10. Our prediction: A four-year, $24 million contract, including $12 million in guarantees. Karlos Dansby, 33, signed the same deal last year with the Cleveland Browns. D'Qwell Jackson, 31, signed last year with the Indianapolis Colts for four years, $22 million, including $11 million guaranteed. Harris will have no shortage of suitors. The Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, Atlanta Falcons and Chicago Bears reportedly have interest.