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 signed unrestricted free agent S Jim Leonhard and re-signed unrestricted free agent FB Tony Richardson. The announcements were made by Jets General Manager Mike Tannenbaum.

Jim Leonhard (5-8/186/Wisconsin/Ladysmith, WI), a four-year veteran, joins the Jets after spending one season with the Baltimore Ravens. Signed by the Ravens as an unrestricted free agent in 2008, he played in all 16 games and made 13 starts for a defense that ranked second overall in the NFL. He finished fourth on the team with 85 tackles and added one sack, one interception and six passes defensed. On special teams he averaged 11.6 yards on 20 punt returns and 20.4 yards on eight kickoff returns. His 2008 totals represent career highs in starts, tackles and passes defensed, He recorded 16 tackles (third on the team) during the Ravens three post-season games in 2008, while adding 0.5 sacks, one interception, one pass defensed, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. Prior to signing with Baltimore in 2008, Leonhard played three seasons for the Buffalo Bills, earning action in 38 games while making seven starts. He originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Bills in 2005.

For his career, Leonhard has played in 54 games with 20 starts and recorded 144 tackles, one sack, three interceptions, nine passes defensed and 19 special teams tackles. Additionally, he has averaged 10.5 yards on 31 punt returns and 22.6 yards on 11 kickoff returns.

“I’ve liked Jim since his days at Wisconsin and was excited when we were able to bring him to Baltimore last season,” said Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan. “He was everything I expected him to be in 2008 when he bailed us out at safety after we had some injuries. He’s a smart player that can get guys lined up in the secondary and was one of the best tacklers on that Ravens defense. He’s always around the ball, brings everything he has on every play and will be a great addition to our group of defensive backs.”

Richardson (6-1, 238, Auburn/Daleville, AL), a 14-year NFL veteran, originally entered the NFL as an undrafted rookie free agent with the Dallas Cowboys in 1994. During his first season with the Jets in 2008, Richardson served as the primary lead blocker for Thomas Jones career-record 13 rushing touchdowns and helped Jones earn his first Pro Bowl appearance by leading the way for his AFC-best 1,312 rushing yards.

A Pro Bowl selection following the 2003, 2004 and 2007 seasons, Richardson has served as the lead blocker for Priest Holmes, Larry Johnson, Chester Taylor and Adrian Peterson, helping each of them rush for more than 1,200 yards in a combined total of six seasons.

In 14 seasons, Richardson has played in 202 games and earned 113 starts. He has rushed for 1,666 yards and 15 touchdowns on 417 carries and has added 202 receptions for 1,502 yards and nine scores.

The New York Jets have placed DB Artrell Hawkins on the Reserve/Retired List.

Hawkins (5-10/195/Cincinnati/Johnstown, PA), in his nine-year career, appeared in 122 games and recorded 482 tackles (415 solo), 11 interceptions, 70 passes defensed and six fumble recoveries. He was originally selected in the second round (43rd overall) of the 1998 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. After six seasons with the Bengals, he had stints with both the Carolina Panthers (2004) and the New England Patriots (2005-06). He had signed as a free agent with the Jets, Feb.19, 2008.