According to reports from SNY and The Athletic, the New York Jets appear to be moving on from linebackers Harvey Langi and Tarell Basham.
According to respective reports from Connor Hughes of The Athletic and Ralph Vacchiano of SNY, the New York Jets are unlikely to retain linebackers Harvey Langi and Tarell Basham.
Hughes’ report dictates that Langi, set to be a restricted free agent, will not be tendered.
Langi enjoyed a breakout season upon being thrust into a starting role after the Avery Williamson trade. He tallied 60 tackles over 14 games (six starts) and also had a fumble recovery in the October home tilt against Buffalo.
Langi, 28, joined the Jets as an undrafted free agent out of BYU in 2017 and previously established himself as a special teams contributor.
Basham, an established edge rusher who served as both a linebacker and lineman, entered the NFL as a third-round of the Indianapolis Colts in 2017. He was claimed off waivers by the Jets a year later in October and went to partake in every game in the last two seasons.
Like Langi, the Ohio alum also posted career-best numbers in 2020 when the Jets’ linebacking corps was depleted, picking up 36 tackles (including 3.5 sacks) and a trio of forced fumbles.
Basham’s finest New York moments came in the penultimate week of the 2020 season against Cleveland when he earned a sack and forced two fumbles, including one that sealed a victory for the Jets at MetLife Stadium.
The Jets’ linebacker group remains one of the team’s biggest questions. C.J. Mosley has partaken in only two games in a five-year, $85 million contract, while there’s some potential in third-year draft pick Blake Cashman, though he has likewise dealt with medical absences.
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These reported departures will likely put increased importance on bringing back Neville Hewitt, who has singed consecutive single-year deals over the last two offseasons.
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
