By John Sarianides

Veteran inside linebacker David Harris was released by the Jets last week. Here are three reasons why the Patriots should sign him.

1. Familiarity: Bill Belichick and the Patriots know Harris from coaching against him for the past 10 years. They know he’s smart, has experience playing in a multiple defensive scheme and that he has been a productive three down player in his career.

Harris might not be a three down player anymore but he could certainly be a difference maker on first and second down. 

2. Adds Experience and Depth: Right now the Patriots have Dont’a Hightower and Elandon Roberts as the only two MIKE linebackers on their roster. Hightower played more outside linebacker down the stretch last season and the expectation is that where the Patriots will play him this season. SAM or WILL backer in sub packages better suits Hightower’s skill set. 

Roberts got valuable snaps at the MIKE linebacker spot last season but he is undersized and struggled against teams that ran at him. 

Harris would not only provide depth but he could step in and start as well. He would fit in nicely with what the Patriots already have at the linebacker position. 

3. Hungry to Win a Title: Harris wants to win a Super Bowl and there is no better place to accomplish that goal than New England. The Patriots are loaded and poised to win their third Super Bowl in four years. Harris wants to play for a contender and he would be motivated if he played here.

The Patriots have a little more than $18 million dollars in cap space right now. They could easily fit Harris under the cap. Signing him would be another great acquisition in what has been an off-season of great acquisitions for the Patriots.