The New York Jets have announced the signing of free agent DT Anthony Harris (Western New Mexico/Rollins Fork, MS/6-3/287) and undrafted free agent TE Jack Simmons (Minnesota/Libertyville, IL/6-4/246). The announcements were made by Jets General Manager Mike Tannenbaum.

Harris, a defensive lineman with long-snapping experience, signed with Carolina before the 2008 season but was waived before training camp. He last played for the Rock River (IL) Raptors of the CIFL indoor league. In 13 games in 2008, he logged 25 tackles (eight for loss) and a safety, adding seven hurries, 1.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries. As a senior at Western New Mexico University in 2004, he had 41 tackles, including 8.5 for loss (33 yards), and 5.5 sacks.

Simmons, a three-year starter at Minnesota who appeared in 41 games, finished his collegiate career with 73 receptions for 762 yards and three touchdowns. In 2008, he caught 34 passes for 331 yards with two touchdowns, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors from the media and honorable mention from the coaches, while also being selected as an Academic All-Big Ten honoree.

 The New York Jets have released RG Brandon Moore and RB Noah Herron and waived DE Sean Conover. The announcements were made by Jets General Manager Mike Tannenbaum.

Moore (RG, 6-3, 295, Illinois) originally signed as an undrafted free agent defensive lineman in 2002 and was converted to an offensive lineman during training camp. He made his regular season debut for the Jets in late 2003 at left guard. The Gary, IN native started 73 consecutive regular season games at right guard since missing three games in the middle of the 2004 season due to injury. 

Herron (RB, 5-11, 225, Northwestern) was signed to a reserve/future contract in January. He was originally selected by the Steelers in the seventh round (244^th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft. He appeared in two games for the Steelers before being waived and signed to Pittsburgh’s practice squad. He was signed to Green Bay’s active roster on Nov. 30, 2005. He appeared in 21 games for the Packers and rushed for 271 yards on 82 attempts (3.3 avg.) and three touchdowns.

Conover (DE, 6-5, 275, Bucknell) signed a reserve/future contract with the Jets this month. He originally signed in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans as a rookie free agent on May 5, 2006, and was promoted to the active roster on Nov. 22, 2006. In two seasons with the Titans, he played in 11 games with two starts, totaling 25 tackles, one tackle for a loss and two quarterback pressures. He had stints on the Falcons and Ravens practice squads in 2008.    

The New York Jets have signed LB Vernon Gholston, the sixth overall selection in the 2008 NFL Draft. The announcement was made by Jets General Manager Mike Tannenbaum.

Gholston (6-3/264/Ohio State/Detroit, MI), recorded 14 sacks in 2007 to set the Ohio State single-season record, while his 22.5 career sacks rank fifth in school history. He totaled 87 tackles, 30.5 tackles-for-loss, one interception and one fumble recovery in 34 games. Gholston was an All-American choice by The Associated Press and was named 2007 Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year by the coaches.