Roster News: Jets sign WR Harper, waive TE Bowman

The Jets announced that they have signed former Patriots and 49ers wide receiver Chris Harper. Harper practiced today with the team and has been wearing #3.

The 5'11" Harper was an undrafted free agent out of Cal in 2015, where he had been a teammate of Jets draft pick Chad Hansen. He posted average numbers, including a 4.53 40-yard dash, at his pro day.

Harper spent his rookie year with New England, where he caught 15 passes in preseason and returned kicks and punts. He saw regular season action in five games, catching one pass and seeing some work on special teams. He lost the punt returner job when he fumbled away a punt in the snow in a loss to the Broncos.

After being released by New England in final cuts, Harper caught 13 passes with the 49ers last year, primarily working on the outside.

In a corresponding move, the team released tight end Braedon Bowman, who spent most of last year on injured reserve with a torn ACL. He had played three games after being claimed off waivers on the day after final cuts.