Solid point on both counts. Of course, it IS a passing league today. I agree that both are overpaid, but you're also right that it was a smart move to front Scott part of his money in 2010 to reduce his future impact. I would agree that Harris would be worth more to the Jets if neither Scott nor Pace were already a part of the team. The fact is, neither is going anywhere this year, and it's awfully difficult to justify so much money going into our linebacking corps. Cutting Thomas would remove part of the sting, but we'd have to be damn certain that our (hopefully) first round OLB would be able to come in and contribute immediately. Well aware of the cap numbers. Also well aware that the owners are pushing for a lower revenue percentage for the players, which would put limitations on the cap increase when it's reinstated. As far as making Harris' deal more cap friendly, low escalation would be ideal, but it's more likely that they backload it a bit in order to delay a few decisions involving the rest of the backers. I'm not suggesting at all that I don't like Harris. You'll notice before I didn't even complain about franchising him because I don't know what the motivation is yet. I would just vastly prefer to see our receivers retained since we're only as good as Sanchez takes us, and he clearly has developed solid chemistry with both of them. I also don't like the idea of Harris getting a contract based on those of Willis and Dansby, both of whom are MUCH better in coverage.
I Thought we were going to tag wayne hunter. Nobody can show the opposing team a play better then him.
I have a question... Harris was drafted in 2007, that means he's played 4 seasons in the NFL. Under the old CBA (considering a normal year, not the uncapped one) a player with only 4 seasons in the NFL would be a RFA and could be assigned a tender. While it makes sense to tag Harris with the franchise tag in case no new CBA deal gets done soon, if a new CBA is struck wouldn't there be a very good chance the 4 years = RFA rule remains in place?
Tell me if I'm an asshole, or insane for saying this but... Say the Jets tag n trade David Harris would Eric Barton(33), and David Bowens(33)(both cut today) be a fit in a ration at ILB? Or would there be a better option out there? Mainly bringing this up, because I find the two WR's, and Cromartie more important IMO than David Harris.
I don't think you're an asshole or insane, but there's no way I'd have ANY interest in either of those stiffs. Barton is slow and made too many dumb penalties when he was here before. He's two years older now. Bowens was even worse. No way, Jose. The Jets need speed and the ability to cover RBs and TEs over the middle. They need younger players, not older ones.
I agree. Harris isn't ideal in my mind, but he's the best LBer we've got. I'd love to see a new starting OLB opposite Pace this year, be it a draft pick or someone like Wimbley who is faster and a better pass rusher than BLT. In 2012, I'd like to see Pace replaced with a younger, faster, cheaper LBer, and by 2013, I'd like to see Scott gone, Harris moved to Scott's position, and a young, fast LBer who is a bigger playmaker take Harris's spot.
we desperately need Scott to take a pay cut..especially if the rumors of 8-9 mil for Harris are true.(which is RIDICULOUS)
Why is that ridiculous? Harris is the second best defender on the Jets, and a player that most teams in the NFL would love to have blowing up the middle. He doesn't give a gaudy highlight reel or fantasy football numbers but the guy is a hitman plain and simple.
I'll make this simple. holmes has had more impact plays in his one season w/us, than harris has had his whole career.
Just because a player doesn't make it on sports center doesn't mean they're not making impact plays. Harris is very important to this defense.
This is really a key point... Harris is a very good ILB but one weakness of his game is being able to cover. About the WRs... although I agree this team will only go as far as Sanchez takes us I think we wouldn't be messing too much with his recievers if we let one between Edwards and Holmes go. He'd still have Cotchery, Keller and one between Holmes/Edwards... all of whom he's familiar with.
Cryptically put, but you make an important point. I agree with the Jets philosophy of having a great run D. But it's increasingly a passing league whether we like it or not. It's all well and good to have LB's who stop the run. But most teams the Jets will face will at least have the ability to pass the ball well. That's partly why bringing back Cro is important, so that the Jets can rely somewhat less on other defenders. But we saw plenty of times last year that the inability to cover the mid center of the field was a real problem, and that's where your LB's dropping into coverage is a factor. Harris has his strengths. That is not one of them.
