Jets release 10-year veteran LB David Harris

— -- FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The New York Jets abruptly released linebacker David Harris?on Tuesday after the two sides failed to reach agreement on a pay cut.

Harris, 33, the Jets' longest-tenured player, was blindsided by the move. He practiced in his usual spot at the starting middle linebacker, and later talked with ESPN about his longevity -- the only holdover from the Eric Mangini era (2006-2008).

Minutes later, he was summoned to coach Todd Bowles' office for the bad news.

"It was an organizational decision," said Bowles, who didn't seem in favor of the move. "They were talking about a pay reduction and they didn't come to an agreement -- we didn't come to an agreement, and it eventually led to this.

"It wasn't an easy time. David has been a Jet all his life. He was born and bled green. Obviously, he was a guy very well-liked in the building. ... It's part of the business. It's never an easy thing."

Bowles admitted it "happened at a bad time," adding "there was a breakdown in talks." The Jets approached Harris only a few days ago about a pay cut.

The Jets reacquired linebacker Demario Davis last Thursday in a trade with the Cleveland Browns, but that had no bearing on Harris, Bowles said. Indeed, there was in a sense in the organization before the Davis trade that Harris was in jeopardy, sources said.

Harris, who spent 10 years with the Jets, became the latest victim in a massive off-season overhaul that has claimed the likes of? Darrelle Revis, Nick Mangold?and Brandon Marshall. Eric Decker, due to make a non-guaranteed $7.25 million, is believed to be in danger.

Harris' agents, Brian Mackler and Jim Ivler, expressed their displeasure in a statement to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

"Very disappointing in the timing of this event and the decision," the statement said. "The Jets could have done this prior to free agency instead of waiting three months, especially for a player who has exhibited nothing but loyalty and class for 10 years."

Retirement is an option for Harris, sources told Schefter.

Now the Jets have a hole at middle linebacker. Potential replacements include Davis, Bruce Carter and Julian Stanford, according to Bowles.

General manager Mike Maccagnan wasn't made available to comment.

Bowles seemed puzzled by the decision to wait until early June, considering that waiting this long had no benefit in terms of the salary cap.

"That's a good question," Bowles said. "Talks broke down. I wasn't in the meetings. It happened abruptly, obviously."

Bowles sidestepped questions about whether he supported the decision.

"I'm in favor of what we decided as an organization," he said.

Harris was one of his favorite players. Bowles often referred to him as "the glue" on defense, always effusively praising his quiet leadership.

Harris, a second-round pick in 2007, ranks No. 2 in tackles in team history (1,260). He called the defensive signals for Bowles' defense and played 87 percent of the defensive snaps last season.

Known for his durability, Harris started and played in 137 of the last 138 games. He missed one game last season, snapping his streak of 121 consecutive starts.

Before receiving the bad news, Harris told ESPN that he welcomed the return of Davis, who played with the Jets from 2012 to 2015. He was acquired in a trade that sent disgruntled safety Calvin Pryor to the Browns.

"It was unexpected," Harris said of the trade, "but it's the NFL. Crazy stuff happens all the time."